Minister Gives Evasive Answers On Importance Of Aviation Sector To Economic Growth

Michael backs British Chambers of Commerce report on aviation. (Nov 29th 2011)

Air Passenger Duty

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with Ministers in HM Treasury on changes to air passenger duty following the extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to the aviation sector.

Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has regular discussions with HM Treasury on a range of aviation issues. Decisions on matters concerning taxation are taken by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne).

The Government remains committed to the inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading system from 1 January 2012.

Aviation: Economic Growth

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the report from the British Chambers of Commerce on aviation policy's effect on economic growth.

Mrs Villiers: The Government issued an aviation policy scoping document in March 2011, calling for evidence on a range of strategic issues. The British Chambers of Commerce produced the report ‘Flying in the Face of Jobs and Growth’ in response to the scoping document. We are reviewing the findings of this report alongside the many contributions to the debate about our future aviation policy. We will issue a Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation for public consultation in spring 2012.

Aviation: Regulation

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in reducing the burden of regulation in the aviation sector.

Mrs Villiers: The Government are currently undertaking a review of the existing stock of regulation with a view to removing over burdensome regulatory legislation.

As part of this process, in May next year the public and businesses will be invited to submit ideas for regulations in the aviation sector that might be amended or revoked so as to reduce their burden on the industry or to the public as a whole.

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