asked Her Majesty's Government:

What involvement the Department for Transport will have in decisions taken by the Civil Aviation Authority regarding airspace allocated for flight stacking; and [HL3120]

What account is taken of potential noise nuisance when decisions are made concerning flight stacking; and [HL3121]

What account is taken of responses generated by public consultation exercises on flight stacking proposals; and [HL3122]

Whether they have considered flight stacking over the North Sea as an alternative to using airspace over Suffolk for flights landing at Stansted Airport. [HL3123]

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 to develop and consult on 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.