Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Tuesday 11th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance)]

11. If he will commission research to determine the effect of air passenger duty on UK holidaymakers, employment and economic growth.

[Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP)]

12. What assessment he has made of the effect of air passenger duty on tourism and the regional economy.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid)]

The Government undertook an extensive consultation on air passenger duty last year. The consultation gathered views and evidence from stakeholders—more than 500 responses were received from all sectors. The Government published our response to the consultation on 6 December 2011 and we have no plans to commission further research.

[Sajid Javid]

The hon. Lady is passionate about this issue, and I thought she would welcome the measures that the Government have taken, which have made a significant contribution. I hope she joins me in realising that the Government have made substantial progress. He also knows that the Chancellor announced in the previous Budget that the Government are looking at other things that can be done to boost the Northern Ireland economy.

[Ms Ritchie]

I thank the Minister for his answer, but could he advise the House on what discussions he has held with the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to scrap APD for short-haul flights between Northern Ireland and Britain and Europe?

[Sajid Javid]

I have not had any such discussions since I was appointed, but I look forward to having them in future and will report to the hon. Lady when I do.