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Civil Aviation Bill

It is important that airports listen to concerns raised by people affected by flights from them and we have seen good practice in many airports. I realise that the hon. and learned Gentleman is raising issues about the way things were dealt with in the past, but it is important that airports respond to such concerns. On his earlier question, I can tell him that although clause 1 relates to landing and taking-off charges in respect of certified noise levels, a definition of landing or taking off is not necessary for the purposes of the provision. I understand his point and I am sure that he will continue to make it, but there is a balance to be struck between the economic impacts and benefits and the social and environmental costs that he and others have outlined. The hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. Brazier) drew attention to the environmental consequences. As he and the House are aware, international aviation emissions were not included in the Kyoto targets but the UK is leading the international debate and pressing for action. Under our EU presidency, we made progress on the inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme and the European Commission has been remitted to produce a legislative proposal by the end of 2006. Current research places high priority on the importance of the impact on the environment, but we have to strike a balance between the economic impacts and the social and environmental effects.