I congratulate Susan Kramer on securing the debate on a subject which I recognise is of concern to many people, including her constituents.

A gentleman by the name of Igor Sikorsky who built the first helicopter said that the helicopter approaches closer than any other vehicle to the fulfilment of mankind's ancient dreams of the flying horse and the magic carpet. No doubt Mr. Sikorsky was somewhat biased in his view, but there is no doubt that the helicopter's ability to land and take off in relatively congested areas is a great benefit to many, making the helicopter a key mode of transport in many circumstances.

In particular, the helicopter is a key tool in emergency and military situations. We know how many lives have been saved, perhaps in our own areas, by air ambulances. There was substantial media interest recently in the role of the Yorkshire air ambulance following the crash involving the "Top Gear" presenter Richard Hammond last year. This led to a campaign to raise funds for the Yorkshire air ambulance charity. To date some £200,000 has been pledged as part of that campaign, showing that the public appreciate the positive role that helicopters can play.