HC Deb 14 March 1961 vol 636 cc1185-6
29. Mr. Fell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the difficulties being experienced in seaside resorts owing to the banning of advertising by mobile loudspeaker vans, he will introduce legislation to amend the Noise Abatement Act.

Sir K. Joseph

No, Sir.

Mr. Fell

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Great Yarmouth, and possibly in other seaside towns, the use of loudspeakers for advertising during the short summer season has become part and parcel of the life of the town)? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] This is true. During the summer season it has become part and parcel of the life of the town. The only complaint I have ever heard against noise in Yarmouth is against ice-cream vans, which make an astonishing cacophony of sound and which escape the provisions of the Act. When future Measures of this sort come along will the Ministry look at them from the point of view of seeing what damage they will do? Will my hon. Friend please look again at the Act to see whether something cannot be done to give local authorities more power to do what they want to do in their own areas?

Sir K. Joseph

This Act only follows the lines of Sections in many Local Acts, and my right hon. Friend has very little evidence of difficulties. There are other ways of advertising than by loudspeaker, and most people appreciate any reduction in noise but do not write in about it.