Frequent Flyer Airmiles Schemes

Debate between Lord Duncan of Springbank and Lord Tugendhat

Monday 21st October 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

The challenge we face in this country is that we are a major hub for international flights, as well as a country with a significant geographical challenge. We do all we can to ensure that people can take the types of journey they are able to take; it is up to commercial companies to determine how best to take that forward.

[Lord Tugendhat (Con)]

My Lords, might the Minister consider a more rifle-shot approach and, instead of thinking about commercial airlines, think about private jets? Might it be an idea to levy a tax on fuel sold to private jet companies, as distinct from the wider question of national and budget airlines? Private jets might be the best place to start.

[Lord Duncan of Springbank]

My noble friend raises a question to which I do not have the answer in my notes. It strikes me that private jets probably constitute a very small proportion of the overall flights in this country, and that private jets may choose not to come here, depending on circumstance.