HC Deb 01 February 1967 vol 740 cc497-8
34. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an application has yet been made by the British Overseas Airways Corporation for duty remission on their third imported Boeing 707–320C aircraft; and, if so, what reply has been given.

Mr. Jay

An application has been made and is under consideration.

Mr. Fortescue

In view of the fact that in the last aviation debate I was informed, aggressively and abusively, by the then Minister of Aviation that the reason why the first two Boeing 707–320C aircraft were being imported duty-free was because they were being used for freight purposes only, and in view of the fact that B.O.A.C. has already announced that this third aircraft will be used for passenger services for one year, why should there be any doubt, delay or discussion about whether or not it should pay duty?

Mr. Jay

As the present Minister of Aviation, may I say, modestly and diffidently, that the law compels me to take this decision according to whether there are or are not similar British aircraft available; and that I shall do.

Mr. R. Carr

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous Minister of Aviation gave me an assurance that if B.O.A.C. was to use these planes for carrying passengers, duty would have to be paid?

Mr. Jay

I am sure that the previous Minister of Aviation's assurance was not to take any decision which was other than in accord with the law. I shall certainly do what the Statute passed by this House compels me to do.

Mr. Fortescue

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.