HL Deb 16 July 1999 vol 604 cc634-5

11.31 a.m.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton rose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 29th June be approved [24th Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Baroness said: My Lords, I beg to move. These regulations are made under the provisions of the European Communities Act 1972 and implement Commission Directive 1999/28/EC. In accordance with these procedures introduced by Council Directive 98/20/EC of 30th March 1998, this is the first action to amend the schedule of exempted aeroplanes from the developing nations attached to the directive.

The Commission has removed 11 aeroplanes from the schedule because they no longer qualify for exemption. Some have been damaged beyond economic repair, while others have moved from the register on which the exemption was granted. The effect of the Aeroplane Noise (Amendment) Regulations is to align exemptions in the UK with Directive 98/20/EC by removing those 11 aeroplanes from the schedule attached to the Aeroplane Noise Regulations 1999.

From the point of view of noise at UK airports, this measure will be beneficial. It will reduce the number of older, noisier aeroplanes allowed to fly into the UK. There are no other effects. I commend the regulations to the House.

Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 29th June be approved [24th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton.)

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I have looked at the regulations and can see no objection to them. Therefore, I give them my support.

Lord Newby

My Lords, we equally support the regulations.

On Question, Motion agreed to.