§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to set up an inquiry into the effects of excessive noise on the health of individuals and on the well-being of society.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. The primary proven health effect of exposure to excessive noise is its impact on hearing, and the dangers to hearing of excessive noise are well known. Further consideration of legislation on the protection of hearing at work awaits the outcome of current discussions in Europe on a draft European Community directive, but in the interim the Health and Safety Commission has launched a programme to promote awareness of and action to deal with the hazards of noise at work. Adequate protection from environmental noise from fixed sources is provided under the Control of Pollution Act 1974.