Chamber
Plenary, 01 Feb 2007
01 Feb 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Air Discount Scheme
General Questions
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 concerned that, as well as being an extra burden on those who live in the Highlands and Islands, the extra tax will be a real disincentive to those who might be considering visiting some of the remoter parts of Scotland, many of which are very reliant on tourism. What representations has the Scottish Executive made to the United Kingdom Government on the tax increase? Will the minister assure me that, if it has not already done so, the Executive will fight to oppose the increase and any further increases that raise money for Gordon Brown at the expense of the north of Scotland's tourism sector?
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...