§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary how many local authorities in the Metropolitan Police Area have adopted by-laws dealing with or restricting the nuisance of noise, including the use of loud speakers both inside buildings or on the public highway; under what other powers can the police at their discretion prevent such noise; and whether he will consider either legislation or other steps in conjunction with local authorities to prohibit loud speakers after 10 p.m. in flats, mansions and similar dwellings?
§ Mr. LloydAs regards noises in the streets, there are provisions under which the police can take action in certain cases and I am sending the hon. Member particulars of these provisions.
As regards noises in private premises, it would be impracticable to place on the 1927W police the responsibility of deciding when such noises constitute a nuisance. In such cases any action must be taken by the persons annoyed, and about 60 authorities in the Metropolitan Police District have made by-laws under which, after a complaint by three householders, proceedings can be taken against persons using loud speakers in such a way as to cause a nuisance to occupants or inmates of any premises in the neighbourhood. Any total prohibition of such instruments after a specified hour would be open to the objection that it would apply not only to cases where a nuisance is caused, but also to cases where the instrument is used in such a way as to be unobjectionable.