§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of exempting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from air passenger duty. [100305]
§ Mr. TimmsCustoms' preliminary estimate of the cost of an exemption for flights from airports in the Scottish Highlands and Islands is under 5 million, but the precise figure would depend on the exact scope of any exemption. Customs are consulting on this and a final decision will be announced in the Budget.
§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of exempting Inverness from air passenger duty. [100306]
§ Mr. TimmsIt is not possible to break down a figure for Inverness with any assurance at this stage. Fuller data will be compiled as part of the consultation announced in the Pre-Budget Report.
§ Mr. Alasdair MorganTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what discussions he has had with the European Commission on exempting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from air passenger duty; [100309]
(2) what discussions he has had with the European Commission on exempting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from air passenger duty. [100308]
§ Mr. TimmsThe European Commission has been informed that the Government are consulting on introducing an exemption for flights from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as part of a package of measures to amend air passenger duty announced in the Pre-Budget Report.