Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a targeted extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for the (a) aviation sector and (b) other sectors in the event that those sectors are subject to covid-19 restrictions after April 2021.

The Government recognises the challenging circumstances facing the aviation industry as a result of COVID-19, and firms experiencing difficulties can draw upon the substantial package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and flexibilities with tax bills. The aerospace sector and its aviation customers are being supported with almost £11 billion made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility and grants for research and development. This includes £8 billion of UK Export Finance Guarantees.

The Chancellor has always been clear that the Government would keep the situation under review, adapting its approach as the context evolved. The Government will set out the next phase of the plan to tackle the virus and support jobs at Budget.