Clause 1 - Aerodrome charges: noise and emissions
Civil Aviation Bill
10:30 am
Karen Buck (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Transport; Regent's Park and Kensington North, Labour)
I begin by saying that I endorse the words of the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. Brazier) in his recognition that there are enormous benefits to the country from aviation, as we discussed on Second Reading. That is recognised, although not evenly by all parties. There is no question that aviation has an impact in environmental terms, and we need to rise to the challenge that it presents. Those living close to airports have genuine anxieties, which the Government and I recognise absolutely and we must move forward in responding to it.
The hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington is right that the amendment goes to the heart of what we will be discussing. I will respond in detail as it will avoid having to cover the same ground in the new clauses and in further amendments that expand on the same argument; the extent to which there should be a regulatory framework that is imposed as a duty on local airports rather than being voluntary.
The hon. Member for Canterbury made it clear that he did not believe that aerodrome operators would voluntarily make use of the provisions in the Bill to fix their charges by reference to noise or aircraft emissions. He also said—there is some contradiction in his position—that many airports are doing that already. There is tension in that respect, but I hope that we might be able to reach a consensus on the matter.
The amendment seeks to clarify the legal status under which airports are able to levy those charges. Many, if not most, airports are already making considerable progress in working with their communities and with consultative committees to find a way forward. That good practice should be encouraged and developed. However, the provisions in the Bill have been introduced specifically in response to some airports—I name Manchester airport in particular—that have made it clear that they seek legal clarification of the powers that they wish to use. Manchester airport may want to fix its charges by reference to aircraft noise or emissions, and it seeks the cover of legislation to do so. It intends to make use of the provisions.