HC Deb 17 October 2001 vol 372 c1261W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the benefits of using revenues from air passenger duty to assist British airlines during their current financial difficulties. [7673]

Mr. Boateng

The Government will continue to consider any appropriate means of providing support to the airlines industry during the current period. However, at this time, the Government do not think that hypothecating revenues raised from air passenger duty to the airlines industry would be an appropriate or efficient means of support. In general, the way in which Government revenues are raised should not determine where they are spent.