§ Sir Barney Hayhoeasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he will arrange discussions with firework manufacturers with the aim of agreeing voluntary limits on the noise level of fireworks available for public use;
(2) whether he intends to introduce legislation to control the noise level produced by fireworks.
§ Mr. MaudeOver the past 25 years the firework industry has voluntarily reduced the explosive content and hence the noise level of bangers by some 40 per cent. The numbers of bangers sold has been reduced by 50 per cent. since 1977. The industry has ceased supplying jumping jacks.
I believe that further restriction or legislative control of the noise level of fireworks would not be generally welcomed, but this and all other aspects of the safety of fireworks are kept under review and discussed periodically with manufacturers, importers and representatives of local authorities and consumer and safety organisations.