§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what EU measures he supports to reduce noise from civil aircraft. [116846]
§ Mr. MullinThe UK broadly supports the Commission's proposals in the recent communication on Air Transport and the environment, particularly the need to work through the International Civil Aviation Organisation for new standards. We shall consider the proposals as they come forward on their merits. My hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Hill) will report the conclusions of the transport council today.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will adopt to reduce the noise of civil aircraft over the Stour Valley in Essex and Suffolk. [116845]
§ Mr. MullinLocal concerns about an increase in over flight, following the introduction of a second stack for Stansted, have been addressed as far as possible, given the competing demands for airspace and the general build up of air traffic in the South East. We shall continue to press for international agreement on higher noise certification standards and the phasing out of noisier aircraft. This will benefit people there and elsewhere.