"Many of my constituents have got in touch with me regarding the Coalition’s plans on Air Passenger Duty. On the whole, I am opposed to Air Passenger Duty and believe it should be reduced to the lowest possible level, or even eliminated completely. But we have inherited the highest structural deficit of any major economy in the world, and are paying over £120 million every day on the debt interest payments alone. Given this situation, slashing or eliminating this already existing duty is not yet prudent.

"Last year the Government launched a consultation on APD aiming to improve fairness and efficiency in the system. Ministers last year announced that Air Passenger Duty would be frozen for 2011-12 and that the previously planned increase would be postponed until April of this year. To increase the fairness of this tax, loopholes have been eliminated so that, for example, business jet passengers will also have to pay.

"The Government is making a concerted effort to bring the massive level of debt under control. In fact, I am worried they are not doing enough. Still, the UK is saving £36 billion in debt interest payments under this Government in comparison to the preceding one. While I share the concerns of my constituents regarding Air Passenger Duty, we need to be continually vigilant in getting the economy back on track for the benefit of us all."