Aviation: Passenger Duty

Lord Berkeley Excerpts

Wednesday 25th January 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, I recognise the importance that my noble friend places on this issue. As I said, the question of the Caribbean was addressed extensively by my noble friend earlier this week. I have nothing to add at the moment but as soon as I do, I will bring my noble friend up to date.

[Lord Berkeley]

Is not this air passenger duty a way for the Government to levy an environmental charge on the carbon discharged by airlines? Does the noble Lord agree that this is fair given that airlines get tax-free fuel whereas all motorists and truck drivers have to pay a large duty?

[Lord De Mauley]

I have said that it is a tax. I am not prepared to go further than that.