§ Lord Monsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will have discussions with the relevant authorities with a view to banning the use of loudhailers in Parliament Square; and, if so, whether such a ban should apply only when Parliament is sitting or at all times. [HL5140]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The use of loudhailers in Parliament Square is a matter for the local authority, which in this case is Westminster City Council, to decide on how to proceed, using its powers under Section 62 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974. The use of loudspeakers in the street for advertising entertainments, trades or businesses is banned. Other uses are restricted to the hours between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless the local authority has agreed otherwise and has considered the effect on the surrounding area before doing so. A local authority is not required to serve an abatement notice and offenders are automatically subject to prosecution which could result in a fine of up to £5,000 for the first or subsequent offence.
However, all public authorities are also bound by the Human Rights Act 1998.
I understand the authorities of both Houses have discussed these issues with the local authority.