§ 33. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy with regard to an application for a duty-free shop at Aldergrove Airport, Belfast, County Antrim, in order to cater for passengers on charter flights to and from the continents of Europe and America; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Niall MacDermot)Duty-free shops can only be allowed where there is a likelihood of substantial foreign currency earnings.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the Financial Secretary give favourable consideration if a request is made in the circumstances of this case, as this is the airport for the whole of Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. MacDermotNo, Sir; not unless the percentage of foreign passengers rises substantially. My information is that 95 per cent. of all passengers from that airport are United Kingdom residents.