asked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the criteria for waiving import duty on the import of civil aircraft.

The import duty on mechanically propelled aircraft, other than helicopters, of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000 kg is currently totally suspended. The only criterion is of unladen weight. The present suspension is continued by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2623/77 until 30th June 1978 and its possible extension beyond that date will be considered by the EEC early in 1978. There are no current provisions for relief from import duty on other civil aircraft.