Air Passenger Duty

Debate between Sajid Javid and Jim Sheridan

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I thank my hon. Friend. I will come to that point in a moment.

As I said, we have no plans at this point for further consultation, but we are keen to ensure that the aviation sector can continue to enable economic growth and support jobs across the country. APD makes an essential contribution to the public finances and to this Government’s plan to create a stable platform for growth.

This has been an excellent debate that has given me and the Government much food for thought. There have been excellent contributions from Members in all parts of the House, and I assure them that I have been listening very carefully. Should the motion pass; I have a feeling that it might well do so—

[Jim Sheridan]

Before the hon. Gentleman concludes, does he accept that it is grossly unfair for British people to pay APD twice, depending on where they live?

[Sajid Javid]

I thank the hon. Gentleman. We have looked at these issues in the consultation, and I believe that I have addressed them.

I have listened carefully to the debate, and the many thoughtful contributions from Members on both sides of the House have been very valuable. Should the motion pass, then of course the Government will take note of Parliament’s view; it is important that we listen to the views of Parliament. Let me conclude by thanking my hon. Friends the Members for Witham and for Crawley for raising this important issue with the House.