SWA welcomes devolution of air passenger duty

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has welcomed a report recommending further devolved powers to Scotland, including the devolution of air passenger duty.

The SWA has welcomed the recommendation of devolved air passenger duty to Scotland

A report from the Smith Commission, lead by Lord Smith of Kelvin, was released yesterday and commended that Scottish parliament should have complete control over air passenger duty.

The commission was set up by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in the wake of the vote against Scottish independence and its report will form the basis of legislation on further devolved Scottish powers.

“The SWA welcomes Lord Smith’s report and we’re currently analysing the detail,” said David Frost, chief executive of the SWA.

“We are pleased that air passenger duty will be devolved and we will look closely at how inter-governmental working can be improved to benefit Scottish business and trade.

“We will also monitor efforts to achieve recognition under EU law for a ‘made in Scotland’ brand which is obviously relevant to Scotch Whisky as Scotland’s largest food and drink export.”

Following the return of a “no” vote during the Scottish referendum on independence, Frost joined other business leaders in signing an open letter calling for a “stable and sustainable” settlement with regards to further devolved powers to Scotland.

When the referendum vote was announced Frost said the independence debate has shown a need for government and business to “collaborate to address long-term economic challenges”.