---

Civil Aviation Bill

My Lords, in reply to the noble Lord, I have mentioned several issues—the policing of noise, for example, should be done by the CAA or trading standards. We will be tabling amendments during the course of the Bill to see stronger regulation on emissions and noise. We will also be tabling amendments to clarify the Government’s policy on the long-term future of airports. During that time, I shall be expanding on Conservative policy on this matter and by that time we will have a new leader and I shall be able to consult him about our policies. As I said, many of the policies in the Bill are questionable and I want to speak for the ordinary user of air travel. However, during the course of the proceedings on the Bill we must consider—as was mentioned in an earlier intervention—the residents who have the misfortune to live on the flight path or very near airports. As ever, we on these Benches will try to improve the Bill as it passes through your Lordships’ House.