§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking in(a) European and (b) international forums to promote a common approach to imposing tax on aviation fuel. [133959]
§ Mr. McNultyThis matter was last raised internationally at the ICAO 33rd Assembly in 2001, when the overwhelming majority of States spoke out against the introduction of a tax on aviation fuel. Analysis by the European Commission has also suggested that an EU-wide tax would deliver minimal environmental benefit. However, the Government remain committed to finding alternative ways of applying the 'polluter pays' concept to civil aviation. Information is contained in the joint HM Treasury/ Department for Transport discussion document "Aviation and the Environment: Using Economic Instruments", published in March 2003.