HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1443-4W
Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will press the International Civil Aviation Organisation to examine the issue of night flights and aircraft noise at their next meeting. [140079]

Mr. McNulty

The reduction of aircraft noise is a major strand of work within the environmental programme of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

ICAO Resolution A33–7, adopted in 2001, emphasises the need for states to adopt a balanced approach to aircraft noise management, on an airport-by-airport basis. Key elements were incorporated into EU Directive 2002/30/EC and are now enshrined in UK law by The Aerodromes (Noise Restrictions) (Rules and Procedures) Regulations 2003(S.I.No. 1742).

The agenda for the next meeting of ICAO's Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) in February 2004 will allow for substantial discussion of noise issues.

Mr. Colman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will press the International Civil Aviation Organisation to examine the issue of air pollution caused by aircraft at their next meeting. [140086]

Mr. McNulty

Air pollution caused by air transport is a major strand of work within the environmental programme of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The Government regards this as important work and will continue to press ICAO for stringent action at the next meeting of its Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) in February 2004.