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Civil Aviation Bill

I agree with my noble friend but I am nonplussed about where my friend thinks local authorities figure in this connection. As an aviation Minister in the 1970s, I had a lot of trouble when I wanted local people to understand the problems of the airports. Some did not want to know. I recall an occasion in this building when I was shouted down. That is a not unimportant consideration. If you want to have rational debate about such matters, my noble friend ought to recognise the position of local people. I am not insisting that the Bill has the right direction. The local community is an important and integral part of the solution to our problems. Of course, there are some utterly unreasonable people with whom you cannot discuss any situation. However, a lot of people around airports are prepared to recognise that there has to be some expansion. But how will they be protected? I remain to be convinced on how they can mount an effective legal complaint about what is happening. Airport operatives are not the only people who need to be considered; people on the ground have to be considered. Words of amelioration are one thing, but some sort of redress and hope should be provided because that is what people are asking for.