Thoseof you who haven’t been glued to the Olympics may have had the chance to getaway for a break in recent weeks, possibly in search of some sunshine. Butwhile our athletes took on the rest of the world in the sporting arena, if youflew abroad on holiday, you may have noticed that we are also world leaders insomething else; levying taxes on our own travellers. Airport Passenger Duty wasa ‘Green Tax’ imposed in the 1990s and has increased inexorably ever since. Fora family of four travelling to the USA, APD will load an extra £260 on to thecost of the holiday. For some families it will make the difference betweengoing on their longed-for break, and staying at home. And it’s not just family holidays which areaffected; we know only too well the importance to jobs and the local economy ofhaving a flourishing international airport on our doorstep – it is somethingwhich helps to power economic growth, yet APD impedes that growth. I have tabled a Commons motion calling for areview of the economic consequences of APD. Although these are difficult timesand the Government does need to raise revenue, this must not be done in a waythat renders Britain uncompetitive, pushing jobs and business to lower - taxedcountries. Nor should it be done in a way that piles an unacceptable burden onfamilies. International travel enricheseveryone’s lives and shouldn’t be the preserve of the rich.