HEALTH chiefs have warned that plans to scrap a tax on air travel will increase the risk of skin cancer and the spread of infectious diseases such a SARS in Scotland.

In its response to a Scottish Government consultation over replacing Air Passenger Duty (APD), NHS Health Scotland also expressed fears that a likely increase in pollution and carbon emissions as a result of more flights would have a detrimental impact on public wellbeing.

A string of other groups outlined strong opposition to the proposals to halve and eventually axe the tax, which it was claimed would undermine efforts to tackle climate change, offer a disproportionate boost to the rich and offered no guarantees of economic growth.

However, business organisations and airlines largely welcomed the plan, which remains on course to come into force after control of the levy is devolved to Holyrood in 2018.

In its submission, NHS Health Scotland accepted that the stated aim of the policy - boosting the economy - could have a positive impact on health but said "balancing factors" should also be taken into account.

It added: "If a reduction in APD increases air travel as seems likely, there is likely to be an increase in air pollution and carbon emissions, which will have local negative impacts on health and longer-term negative impacts through climate change on the economy and health. The balance of potential benefits from economic development as opposed to negative impacts through climate change and air pollution is unclear.

"There is also a risk that increased incoming air travel of visitors to Scotland may increase the incidence of transmissible diseases as was the case of SARS and influenza. If increased air travel and connectivity results from a change to APD, additional prevention and/or mitigation measures may be required.

"Finally, if the change to APD results in increased holidaying of Scots to hotter areas, Scotland could expect an increase in skin cancer in years to come if inadequate prevention measures are not in place, with resulting increases in health care costs."

The SNP's plan to cut APD, which currently raises £250m a year, has been attacked across the political spectrum with even the Scottish Conservatives, who traditionally favour tax cuts, saying it is not justified at a time of constrained public finances

Of almost 100 respondents to the consultation who commented specifically on the proposed reduction in APD, 83 per cent, "expressed an objection to or raised concerns around the potential impact of the reduction in APD."

Overall, 160 groups or individuals responded to the consultation, with 49 per cent of these expressing concerns despite the document not specifically asking for a view on the planned 50 per cent reduction.

The Scottish Government claimed a majority had supported its "strategic and policy objectives for improving Scotland’s air connectivity" and showed no sign of abandoning the policy.

However, a series of high-profile bodies outlined strong opposition with Climate Chaos Scotland saying the responses should be "the final nail in the coffin" for the plan.

The Church of Scotland said the policy was inconsistent with a policy of cutting greenhouse emissions and would promote inequality with the richest flying more regularly. The Royal Society of Edinburgh warned that if a reduced rate of APD in Scotland led to greater demand for flights from Scottish airports, carriers could simply maintain current prices for consumers while increasing their profit.

Trade Union Unison said a cut to APD would "benefit the wealthiest, while increasing aviation emissions", describing "a lose, lose proposal for Scottish public services and for protecting our world for future generations."

Derek Mackay, the Finance Secretary, described APD as one of the most expensive taxes of its kind in the world. He added: "This will now allow us to take the next step and begin the process of developing plans on how a Scottish replacement tax should be structured and operated to help boost Scotland’s international connectivity and economic competitiveness, while giving due consideration to environmental issues.

"This a fundamental component of our efforts to boost Scotland’s economy through improving international connectivity and generating sustainable growth."