§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response the Government have made to the proposed EU directive introducing common measurements of aircraft noise across the European Union. [136543]
§ Mr. MullinThe European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise is concerned with noise from transport and industrial sources generally, not only noise from aircraft. The Government have undertaken a consultation on the proposed Directive and prepared an initial regulatory impact assessment. Copies of the results were placed in the House Library on 19 October.
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with airports and aircraft companies regarding the fitting of mufflers to aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [136997]
§ Mr. MullinOfficials regularly discuss with stakeholders our strategy on new noise standards, including modification of aircraft to meet those standards. Studies have shown that fitting mufflers can impair an aircraft's performance and handling. Safety is, of course, paramount. Certifying the airworthiness of aircraft is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority.