§ 12. Mr. Shepherdasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he will give the names of the countries which charge us tax on the refuelling of our aircraft for international journeys; and if he will indicate the three countries which charge us the highest rate of duty.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Beswick)Full information is available only in respect of aircraft operating on scheduled services. After allowing for amounts refunded, Customs duty remains payable on fuel for international journeys uplifted in Argentina, Brazil, Burma, Chile, Iraq, Lebanon, Panama and Peru, also for certain journeys only, India and Pakistan. Of these countries, the three charging the highest rates of duty are India, Lebanon and Pakistan.
§ Mr. ShepherdAs we ourselves do not charge duty for aircraft refuelling in this country, what steps are being taken to see that the disparity is evened out? What representations are being made to the international authority?
§ Mr. BeswickIn some cases, directly to the countries concerned, and we are also trying to get agreement through I.C.A.O.