HC Deb 29 November 1973 vol 865 cc569-70
8. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the rates of duty imposed on aviation turbine fuel and aviation gasoline.

Mr. Higgins

Aviation turbine fuel is charged at lp per gallon and aviation gasoline at 22½p per gallon when used on internal flights in the United Kingdom. Both are free of duty when used on international flights.

Mr. Tebbit

Is that fair to the operators of small aircraft and to the relatively lightly used services? Does my hon. Friend agree that the aircraft used for such services are inevitably pistonengined? Why should the operators pay 22 times as much duty for their fuel than the duty paid for the thirstier paraffinburning jet aircraft?

Mr. Higgins

I understand the point my hon. Friend is making. The matter cannot be considered in isolation. Relief from duty must be considered in relation to other claims for relief for light oil. Relief would have to be given to all users and would involve a significant loss of revenue. There are also real problems concerned with control regarding revenue matters.