Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment was undertaken of the effect of a zero-rate air passenger duty in Scotland on airports in Northern England before taking the decision to devolve the setting of that duty.

The devolution of APD to Scotland raises the potential for reel pressure to be put on regional airports – particularly in the North East but also on Manchester and others. The Chancellor has been clear we will work together cross parties to ensure that we minimise the impact of any decision by Scotland to reduce ADP, so that we protect English regional airports.