To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned or carried out on the effect of emissions from aircraft with particular reference to the upper atmosphere; and if he will list such research. [67470]

Since May 1997 my Department has participated in the following research projects:

AEROTRACE: identification and measurement of trace species in exhaust gases close to the combustor of a jet engine;

UK TRACE: measurement of changes in trace species between the combustor and engine exhaust;

AEROCERT: identification of possible revisions and extensions to engine certification procedures, and the effects of maintenance and operation on certified emission levels;

POLINAT: measurement and modelling of aircraft emissions in the North Atlantic flight corridor.