Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Aviation: Noise and Fuel

Thursday 2 March 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government recognises impacts of aircraft noise and reviews relevant evidence, including ongoing research on health and wellbeing effects.
  • Technology advancements are reducing noise levels by 30% to 50% for new aircraft models.
  • 165 million has been allocated to the advanced fuels fund to support five UK sustainable aviation fuel plants.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Economy Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the health and economic impacts of aircraft noise on communities below flight paths. She cites specific incidents affecting residents across west and south-west London.

Question

What recent assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential (a) health and (b) economic impact of noise pollution on communities below aircraft flightpaths?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The Government recognise that there are impacts associated with aircraft noise and keep all relevant evidence under review. The Department for Transport has commissioned research on the effects of aviation noise on annoyance, health and wellbeing, and a further survey is planned this year. Major airports map their noise impacts every five years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The assessment of specific health and economic impacts and measures to address them were not addressed in detail.

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Environment
Context

The MP highlights ongoing issues faced by constituents due to constant aircraft noise. She expresses concerns about potential intensification of noise as a result of airspace modernisation.

Question

Will the Minister commit to reinstating the independent noise ombudsman, and to working with Environment Ministers to make aircraft noise a statutory nuisance?

Answer from Jesse Norman

There have been noise-related restrictions on major airports including Heathrow. Technology is already making a significant difference, with new models reducing noise by 30% to 50%. Consultation on proposals for the next night-flight regime will begin in October 2025.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to reinstating an independent noise ombudsman and statutory nuisance status was not provided.

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Q3 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Climate Energy
Context

The MP notes that no commitment was made on SAF production at a recent airports conference. He criticises the Government's Jet Zero Council for achieving little.

Question

What is the status of commitments and actions towards producing sustainable aviation fuel in the UK?

Answer from Jesse Norman

£165 million has been put into the advanced fuels fund to support five UK sustainable aviation fuel plants, with a mandate planned for 2025. Modernisation is complex but vital for noise impact protection.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans and targets for SAF production were not detailed sufficiently.

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Q4 Iain Stewart Con
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP references the Transport Committee's report recommending a contracts for difference model to support SAF production.

Question

How will the Government respond to the recommendation of introducing a CfDs model for supporting sustainable aviation fuel?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Aware of calls for CfDs, the Government is working on not merely the mandate but a clearing house to support testing and certification. The mandate remains the current policy focus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on implementing CfD model were not provided.

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Q5 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The MP questions the progress on decarbonising aviation through airspace modernisation and SAF production.

Question

What are the Government's plans to ensure their targets for five plants operating by a target date are met, considering current funding?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Free route airspace introduced in 2021 over Scotland is estimated to save the carbon dioxide equivalent of the power used by 3,500 family homes every year. The Government is taking a wide range of measures towards modernisation and SAF support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on meeting plant operation targets and long-term SAF use were not provided.

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