Aviation Industry 2021-03-11
2021-03-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner mentions that the aviation sector was worst affected by the pandemic but did not receive sufficient support according to ONS data.
Does the Minister agree that the support already provided to airports will not be enough, given they are losing many times that amount each month? Is he missing a trick both to help the sector survive and modernise?
The Government have given the aviation sector approximately £7 billion of support over the course of the pandemic. The Budget extended both the furlough scheme and the airport and ground operations support scheme for another six months. The global travel taskforce will report in April.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide specific measures beyond current schemes and future reports.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner inquires about the lack of consultation on arrival duty-free shopping and its impact on jobs.
Can the Minister tell if he lobbied the Chancellor before ending VAT-free shopping schemes? If so, will he continue to push for establishment of arrival duty free outlets?
The hon. Member will understand that there had to be a change on the taxation regime at the end of the transition period, with all matters handled by the Treasury under review by the Chancellor.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not confirm lobbying efforts or commitment to duty-free outlets.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner asks for a commitment on greening the aviation sector to support future zero emission aircraft.
Will the Minister commit to working with BEIS to increase the Aerospace Technology Institute budget for developing new technologies?
Aviation must play its part in net zero challenge. Work is ongoing through Jet Zero Council and working groups on airframe types, sustainable aviation fuel, among others.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not commit to increasing ATI budget specifically.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner criticises government's lack of delivery on promised support and mentions issues like ending VAT-free shopping.
This Government have utterly failed aviation and its 1 million workers, have they not?
The Government stand behind aviation with £7 billion of support. Through global travel taskforce expanding horizons further and consultation on air passenger duty announced, recovery is being worked towards.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not address failure directly but provides context.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Questioner questions the Minister's rhetoric versus delivery on global travel taskforce.
What assurances are there that the workstreams of the global travel taskforce will be robustly implemented?
The first global travel taskforce reported in November, with the test to release scheme launched in December. Reports are due on 12 April, with international travel resumption discussed for May, involving weekly consultations with the sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide specific assurances beyond progress reports and future meetings.
Response accuracy