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August 29, 2005

Chirac's air tax for Africa

France, Belgium and Germany are promoting the idea of a compulsory tax on air travel to benefit Africa via the International Finance Facility for Immunisation.

I don’t know what the British position is on this. It seems to be a good idea, except that I don’t see the logic of asking air passengers in particular (rather than drinkers, drivers, golfers or whatever) to pay for medicines for Africa. Perhaps it should be more broadly based?

Chirac announces air tax for aid - BBC - France, Belgium and Germany have said they will introduce a compulsory tax, while Malta, Cyprus and Ireland will give passengers a choice as to whether or not they pay it.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4194386.stm

Posted by Simon Holledge at August 29, 2005 11:39 PM

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Comments

Generally, this is the position of SKWIRRIL, and will be implemented when we come to power.
Abolition of income tax, and the introduction of purchase tax, based upon unfortunately complex algorithms to do with how unecological and unnecessary a product is. Therefore there will be a very high tax on air travel, dead dinosaur juice of all sorts, and mobile telephones for example.

Posted by: Vicus Scurra at September 1, 2005 06:34 AM

Right. Is my wife allowed to fly to visit her mother in Tokyo. Or does she have to walk or paddle a canoe?

Posted by: Simon Holledge at September 1, 2005 01:54 PM

Of course she is allowed to fly, but under the SKWIRRIL government would have to pay considerably more than she does now for the privilege of polluting the atmosphere. She would also have to pay considerably extra for any non-organic, non-vegan food on the flight. I hope she has a lovely time in Tokyo.

Posted by: Vicus Scurra at September 1, 2005 06:34 PM

Thanks. You will be pleased to know that we planted some trees to offset her last trip in April. I am not sure what she ate on the flight. In the past we have asked for 'Asian vegetarian' as this is usually the best option and we feel we are getting a bit more out of the airline.

Posted by: Simon Holledge at September 1, 2005 07:40 PM