To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the airport emissions charging principles recommended by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC/27-4); and if he will make a statement. (131733)

ECAC recommended a harmonised method for classifying aircraft according to their NOx emissions for the potential purpose of emission charges. The Civil Aviation Act 2006 provides powers for all airports to introduce charges that reflect the pollution generated by each aircraft type, in the way that Heathrow and Gatwick already do. Those charging schemes already follow the recommended method.