To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential impact of the National Air Traffic Services proposals on air space changes on the British thoroughbred breeding industry. (210936)

It is not for the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss airspace change proposals which are subject to consultation.

Airspace planning and regulation is the responsibility of the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The process for making changes to airspace is governed by the CAA's airspace change process. Under this process it is for airspace change sponsors, for example NATS, to develop and consult upon proposals. Detailed guidance is given on what impacts are to be taken into account, how they should be measured and who should be consulted. Informed by the consultation, the sponsor submits the proposal to the CAA's directorate of airspace policy for assessment against regulatory requirements. In determining whether to accept or reject a proposal, the CAA's process reflects the Secretary of State's directions and guidance to the CAA on the exercise of its statutory duties and environmental objectives.