To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the proposals of the European Parliament for longer flying hours. [112546]

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reviewed the European Parliaments proposed Flight Time Limitations (FTL) requirements. They advise me that, while the requirements are not totally acceptable, with suitable amendment they could form a baseline European FTL requirement which could be supplemented by additional requirements in each member state. We recognise the need for FTL requirements to be harmonised at a European level and should the proposal come before the Council we will work constructively with other member states to ensure that it is appropriately amended. We will not endorse the proposal if any of the limits are significantly different to those set by the CAA in CAP 371, which are in line with scientific advice that the CAA has received over the years.