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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the correspondence between the Office of Fair Trading and the International Air Transport Association about the description of passenger service charges as taxes; and if he will make a statement. [89574] Ms Glenda Jackson: I am concerned about the practice of some airlines of displaying PSC as a tax. My officials have recently discussed the issue of PSC with representatives of the airlines, and are considering their proposals for ensuring that passengers cease to be misled. The Local Authority Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards believes that such airlines may be in breach of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, and has recently issued guidance to this effect to local authority trading standards officers. The Office of Fair Trading has written to the International Air Transport Association raising complaints that IATA have misrepresented the PSC as a tax, and IATA have responded. I have placed copies of this correspondence in the Library.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

89574; 335 c136W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Aviation Correspondence Airlines Fees and charges Passengers Office of Fair Trading Taxation Service charges International Air Transport Association