Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of fireworks noise on the welfare of (a) pets and (b) vulnerable adults.

There has been no assessment of the effectiveness of the Fireworks Regulations 2004 on preventing anti-social use of fireworks or the potential impact of fireworks noise on the welfare of pets or vulnerable adults.

I recognise that people hold a range of views on this issue. On 19th January, MPs debated two e-petitions relating to the sale and noise of fireworks respectively. As the Minister responsible, I will ensure that all evidence gathered, including views from the debate, and experiences shared by members of the public, are fully considered. I can assure you that public safety, the impact on people, animals and property, will remain central to this work.