B17 FLYING FORTRESS AND GENERAL AVIATION CHARGES

Early day motion 141, tabled 18 May 2005 by Gerald Howarth (Conservative). Signed by 79 members.

That this House, recognising that air shows are the UK's second most popular outdoor spectator activity, greatly regrets that the B17 Flying Fortress was forced to withdraw from the VE day celebrations owing to a £25,000 increase in its insurance costs, resulting from new EU regulations; notes with concern the threat to air displays and the operation of historic aircraft posed by a new charging regime to be introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority; and calls on the authorities to reconsider these increased charges in the interests of ensuring that general and sporting aviation in the UK continues to flourish and inspire a new generation.

Signatures by party: Conservative 67, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 3, Labour 3.