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Civil Aviation Bill

The issue of emissions is not quite as difficult as noise in terms of dispute over measurement. On emissions, we are governed by the EU requirements on emissions standards in the air. That is irrespective of the source of the emissions, but we recognise the problem with regard to air travel. These limits come into effect in 2005 for particulates and 2010 for nitrogen-dioxide, and we are committed to meeting the European standards. We are giving clear evidence within this framework of the Government’s commitment to meet the required standards in regard to air pollution. There are external pressures and external regulations which apply to emissions but not to noise pollution. I have therefore concentrated on noise pollution as it is rather more a part of the Bill. The emissions aspects are obligatory upon us and we already have to meet one set of standards in regard to emissions of particulates in the current year. We have introduced the Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003 and are active in this area. I recognise the value of the noble Baroness introducing this aspect into the debate because the question of health around airports is of very great importance. We have both policies and statutory powers in place to mitigate the impact of aircraft noise and emissions on local residents. We are committed to the World Health Organisation guidelines on aircraft noise which, as I have indicated, will help to direct policy. But the realisation of these guidelines—as the World Health Organisation itself recognises—is some years away. Certainly in response to the point that the noble Countess, Lady Mar, was eager to emphasise, we will consider further research on the effect of aviation noise and emissions on health. We are aware of the imperfect state of knowledge at present and that a great deal of work needs to be done. The noble Countess made her case in a very articulate way. I was going to ask the noble Baroness to withdraw her amendment but I notice that the noble Lord, Lord Bradshaw, is about to add to my arguments.