Chamber
Plenary, 01 Feb 2007
01 Feb 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Air Discount Scheme
General Questions
I concur with the member's views on the warm welcome that the air discount scheme has received on the islands. In Islay, which I represent, the scheme has been well received and much used. As I stated at the Islay conference on the future of the islands, we need to go further in looking at improving the affordability of ferry services. Islanders need a greater direct benefit from the £30 million annual subsidy for ferries. The air discount scheme is a model that needs to be examined further in the context of ferry fares.
In the same item of business
7. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide an update on the air discount scheme. (S2O-11879)
The Deputy Minister for Finance, Public Service Reform and Parliamentary Business (George Lyon):
LD
As at 1 January 2007, there were 90,293 members of the air discount scheme in eligible areas of the Highlands and Islands, including 26,653 in the Western Is...
Mr Morrison:
Lab
As the minister's answer proves, the air discount scheme has been remarkably successful and has benefited many islanders and island businesses. Now that the ...
George Lyon:
LD
I concur with the member's views on the warm welcome that the air discount scheme has received on the islands. In Islay, which I represent, the scheme has be...
Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
Chancellor Gordon Brown's latest tax increase came into force today, with another £10 being levied on every passenger who takes a domestic flight. I am conce...
George Lyon:
LD
I understand that the tax does not apply to outward flights, but I think that it is rather disappointing that the increase applies to inward flights. That se...