§ Mr. Skeetasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, to assist aviation in the United Kingdom, he will consider a lower tax on aviation gasoline; and what reply he has given to the industry.
§ Mr. Peter ReesAll forms of taxation are kept under review. As my right hon. and learned Friend has explained to the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association, there are real difficulties, both of equity and administration, in charging duty on aviation gasoline at a lower rate than that on petrol and other light oils.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the price of Avgas—aviation gasoline—following the Budget; and how the current United Kingdom price of this fuel compares with that prevailing in other European Economic Community member countries.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 14 April 1981, c. 104]: My right hon. and learned Friend has received letters about the Budget duty increase on aviation gasoline from the General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Assocation and from about a dozen individual businesses or clubs. I understand that prices of Avgas in the United Kingdom are in general higher than in most other member States of the European Community.