Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has assured the Rajya Sabha that the government will examine the opposition demand for reducing the levy of the development fees collected at major airports of the country.

Replying to a discussion on a Statutory Motion today, Mr Singh also assured that he will come back to the House in this regard. The Minister's assurance came in the wake of the mover of the Motion Mr K N Balgopal of the CPIM, who pressed for division of votes.

Earlier, the motion was negated by voice vote. Justifying the levy of development fee, Mr Singh said the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), which is an independent quasi-judicial institution, is authorized to decide the quantum of fee for the embarking and disembarking passengers. He said the amount looks hefty because the levy for five years is being charged in two years. The Minister said the levy of development fee is a pre-bidding condition.

Earlier, resuming the discussion, members belonging to all parties voiced concern over the levy saying it will adversely affect the tourism sector. They said Delhi and Mumbai are the most expensive airports in the world.