Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Freer Excerpts
Thursday 23rd June 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
Mike Freer Portrait Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con)
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1. What recent representations he has received on the competitiveness of UK airports.

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Hammond)
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I regularly receive representations from the aviation industry and other stakeholders on a range of issues relating to UK airports.

Mike Freer Portrait Mike Freer
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I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. He may be aware that some have suggested a congestion levy on south-east airports to fund a discount on air passenger duty in regional airports. What assessment has he made of the competitiveness of south-east airports in view of this ludicrous suggestion?

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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I think my hon. Friend’s question betrays the fact that he has already made his own assessment. I believe that this suggestion was made in a response by regional airports to a consultation on APD conducted by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. No doubt the Chancellor will respond to those suggestions in due course.