Civil Aviation Bill

If my memory serves me, the default position is about 40 km from the central airport, and it can be extended further to 60 km. I believe that ““local”” is reasonably widely defined, and I hope that that is enough to satisfy the hon. and learned Gentleman that his concerns are covered by the powers in the Bill. I appreciate hon. Members’ concerns regarding the powers by which we control noise at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. That was also the subject of a considerable amount of discussion in Committee. Any future proposals for changes to the noise control regime at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted would be subject to public consultation. The next night restrictions regime until 2012 will be based on current legislation and will continue to incorporate a movements limit. Airports’ ability to set up noise control measures and impose penalties on aircraft operators will be enshrined in statute, but airports should follow a ““balanced approach”” when introducing new measures. The Bill will also transfer the costs of the CAA’s aviation health unit from the taxpayer to the aviation industry; a much fairer arrangement because those that benefit from this service will pay for it. Our Bill will sweep away unnecessary restrictions on public airport companies to develop their businesses.