§ 14. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received from persons and organisations concerned with general aviation concerning recent and prospective increases in costs in that industry which arise from Government policies.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisI have received a letter from the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association Ltd. about the implications for general aviation of the Government's proposal to phase out vehicle excise duty and to replace it with an increased duty on hydrocarbon oil.
§ Mr. TebbitIs the Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said that the proposal is not designed to increase revenue but that it will increase taxation on the general aviation industry by about £2 million a year? Who is to get the benefit of that £2 million tax on business and industry? Is it the private motorist? Will the Minister take action to make sure that the £2 million is fed back in some form of benefit to the industry from which it has been filched?
§ Mr. DavisThe hon. Gentleman has been a Member of the House for almost eight and a half years. If he has not learned that questions relating to taxation ought to be directed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it seems to me he is incapable of learning anything.
§ Mr. TebbitOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the incompetent nature of the Under-Secretary's reply, I give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.