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Brian Adam is MSP for Aberdeen Donside. He is the SNP Chief Whip and minister for parliamentary business. He was the MSP for Aberdeen North from 2003 to 2011 and for North East Scotland from 1999 to 2003. I was born in 1948 and educated in the North East at Keith Grammar School. After a BSc at the University of Aberdeen I took an MSc in Clinical Pharmacology. I started work with Glaxo in Montrose and continued my career at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where I was a Principal Biochemist. I was an Aberdeen District Councillor representing Middlefield and Heathryfold from 1988 until 1996 and an Aberdeen City Councillor from 1995 until 1999. I live in Aberdeen with my wife and family. I have four sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren. I am an avid Don's fan and make an effort to attend as many games as possible. My only personal hate is onions and garlic, and I feel they should be banned from all cooking.

Friday, September 30, 2011

CALL FOR AIR DUTY DEVOLUTION TO COME TO SCOTLAND

Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, had today called on the UK Government to devolve Air Passenger Duty to the Scottish Government.

 

The Treasury yesterday announced it is devolving Air Passenger Duty to Northern Ireland on the same day it defended not doing the same for Scotland.

 

The Scottish Parliament yesterday heard evidence from the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport in favour of devolving air passenger duty to Scotland.

 

However the Treasury yesterday indicated that there would be no changes to the tax powers in the Scotland Bill – despite Air Passenger Duty being recommended for devolution by the Calman Commission.

 

Mr Adam, who has Aberdeen Airport in his constituency said:

 

"We have seen with the recent Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen the numbers that the airport can handle, but we need to make Scotland more competitive to attract more passengers every week.

 

"On the same day the Treasury is defending not devolving flight tax to Scotland, it is giving this very power to Northern Ireland.

 

"This is blatantly hypocritical from the UK Government. The Calman Commisison said APD should be devolved – but instead Westminster left it out the Scotland Bill.

 

"When Danny Alexander is busy admitting the UK doesn’t listen to Scotland devolving APD would be a sign that Scottish voices are being heard.

 

"Support is growing with the Scottish Chamber of Commerce saying it believes air passenger duty should be devolved to bring more visitors to Scotland and bolster international connectivity and the Managing Director Glasgow airport saying devolving APD would ensure the importance of aviation in Scotland is properly recognised.

 

"It is time for the UK Government to stop being hypocritical and allow Scotland to have control over flight taxes, just like Northern Ireland."

 

ENDS

 

Treasury’s Northern Ireland announcement:

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_107_11.htm

Chamber of Commerce:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s4/committees/scotBill/papers-11/sbp11-06.pdf

Amanda McMillan:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/scotland/newsid_9600000/9600803.stm

 

Posted by at 15:30