To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 1 May 2007, Official Report, column 1630W, on taxation: aviation, for what reasons a formal assessment of the effects of introducing the Air Passenger Duty on small travel agents and tour operators was not carried out prior to its introduction. (138659)

The pre-Budget report announced an increase in the rates of air passenger duty. This decision was taken in recognition of the environmental costs of air travel and also took into account economic and social factors, including the impact on airlines, travel agents and tour operators.