Davies Commission Report

Danny Kinahan Excerpts
Wednesday 1st July 2015

(9 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I thank my hon. Friend for his representations, which will be taken into account.

Danny Kinahan Portrait Danny Kinahan (South Antrim) (UUP)
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I welcome today’s announcement and all the work that has been done, because it means that Belfast international airport, which is in my constituency, should get a flight and direct route to Heathrow. Yes, we want it quick, but when the Secretary of State considers levies and such things into the future, will he keep it in mind that 52% of our passengers disappear down to Dublin because of air passenger duty? Any levy that is put in place might severely hurt the Northern Irish economy.

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Mr McLoughlin
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I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his representations. Obviously, we have to be aware of that, but also part of a noise levy is considering how to put right the damage and how to try to soften or reduce the effects on those who are most disturbed by the noise. That is the right thing to do.