Government snubs levy report
The Government has ignored a report into extending financial protection for air travellers for almost a year, it has emerged.
The House of Commons transport committee published a detailed paper in summer last year but is still waiting for a reply.
Now, in a last ditch attempt to force the introduce of financial protection to all air travellers, the committee has planned a further sitting in the autumn.
Chairwoman Gwyneth Dunwoody confirmed that a hearing will be held to seek clarification on where the government stands on the issue and why it has snubbed the report.
Dunwoody, a formidable MP and robust exponent of new rules, used the announcement to slate Labour for dragging its heals.
“We asked the government to take action swiftly to address the significant problem [of limited protection] but nothing has been done,” she said. “Our report last year specifically pointed out the government delay and prevarication will only increase the risk to which travellers are exposed. Sadly, but entirely predictably, this has turned out to be the case.
“The government has not even managed to reply to our report almost a year after its publication. This issue must be resolved and protection for scheduled passengers extended.”
She said the collapse of EUJet underlined the need to improved protection.
The Aviation Bill, in which industry bodies hope the introduction of a £1 levy will appear, is due for a third reading on October 10. It will then go to the House or Lords for ratification. Amendments to the bill can be made at either of these stages.
Report by Steve Jones
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