§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to require burglar alarms to contain an automatic cut-off operating after a fixed maximum period; and what information he has on the existence of such a requirement under local legislation or byelaws.
§ Mr. FoxThe Department is about to circulate a draft code of practice on noise from audible intruder alarms, for approval and issue by my right hon. Friend under section 71 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The draft code of practice recommends that local authorities should use their existing powers under part III286W of the 1974 Act to require the fitting of an automatic cut-out device to an alarm system which rings repeatedly or for prolonged periods.
I am not aware of any local legislation or byelaws which make the use of automatic cut-out devices compulsory.