§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what regulations there are to ensure that noise levels from aircraft flying over residential areas are kept to a minimum; and if he will make a statement. [34632]
§ Mr. SpellarAircraft noise "at source" is regulated according to the certification requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Operational noise is subject to rules and procedures set by each airport. Controls available to airports include noise preferential routes for departures, departure noise limits, approach procedures, night restrictions and noise-differentiated charges.
The Secretary of State has powers to designate an airport under s.80 for the purposes of s.78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982, under which noise controls can be set. At present, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports are so designated. He may also specify an aerodrome under s.5 of the 1982 Act, requiring the CAA to have regard to environmental factors in its licensing functions; hitherto no aerodrome has been so specified.
The air transport White Paper, which we intend to publish later this year, will deal with the future direction of policy on aircraft noise regulation.