Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing (a) guidance on and (b) legislative proposals for making mandatory noiseless fireworks at major public events in the interests of the safety of (i) live stock animals and (ii) people with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

The Government recognises concerns about the use of noisy fireworks, particularly the potential distress caused to pets, livestock and the public, especially those with PTSD. That is why there is significant regulation in place covering their supply, storage, possession and use.

For example, retailers are restricted to selling fireworks for limited periods around the four traditional occasions of November 5^th, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, unless they have a valid licence specifically allowing all year round sales. There are curfews in place which limit the hours fireworks can be used. Furthermore, there is maximum noise level of 120 decibels on fireworks sold to the public, and local authorities have powers to deal with excessive firework noise.

The Government continues to focus on the safe use of fireworks and reducing nuisance by encouraging industry, retailers and others to promote responsible use through guidance and public education. For example, the Health and Safety Executive publishes specific guidance on organising fireworks displays safely and responsibly.

We urge those using fireworks to be considerate to their neighbours and give sufficient notice of firework use, particularly where they are proposing to let off fireworks in the vicinity of animals, especially livestock, where they should notify owners of livestock nearby of their plans.

The Government has no plans to extend legislation in this area at present.