Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tourism Industry

Wednesday 30 September 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson asked about extending the 15% VAT cut for Northern Ireland tourism beyond March next year.
  • The Government is monitoring the impact of the VAT cut but has made no specific commitment to further extension.
  • Paul Girvan highlighted Northern Ireland tourism's competition with the Republic of Ireland and asked about using APD as a tool for support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks details about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues to support the tourism sector in Northern Ireland, highlighting financial benefits from UK Government schemes.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting the tourism industry in Northern Ireland. The lower VAT is helpful but will he discuss with Treasury colleagues the potential benefit of extending this rate further?

Answer from Robin Walker

The extension of the 15% VAT cut for hospitality and tourism to the end of March next year will provide vital support. The Government is monitoring the impact, but no specific new commitments are made beyond noting discussions with industry representatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Extension of lower VAT rate further not specifically addressed; only general monitoring mentioned without concrete plans.

How: Monitoring The Impact, Continue To Monitor

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Taxation Northern Ireland
Context

The MP follows up on support measures, focusing specifically on discussing with Treasury colleagues the potential benefit of extending a lower VAT rate.

Question

I thank the Minister for that response. Indeed, the lower VAT is helpful, but will he discuss with Treasury colleagues the potential benefit to Northern Ireland of extending that lower rate even further?

Answer from Robin Walker

The extension of the 15% VAT cut to end of March will provide support. Government is monitoring measures' impact, but no specific commitment on further extension beyond this period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific plan for extending lower VAT rate beyond current timeline mentioned.

How: Monitoring The Impact

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Q3 Paul Girvan DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is concerned about the competitive pressure from the Republic of Ireland due to state aid and lower air passenger duty, affecting Northern Ireland's international trade.

Question

In relation to Northern Ireland tourism, may I say that it has to compete not only on a world stage but with the market from the Republic of Ireland and its predatory actions? What can be done in relation to using APD as a tool to help our tourism industry?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Treasury is looking into what can be done on APD front, taking on board views of Northern Ireland businesses. Competitive pressure recognised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific measures announced regarding using APD as a tool to support tourism.

How: Treasury Is Looking Into What Can Be Done

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