Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will commission research into the (a) public health and (b) animal welfare impact of quiet fireworks.

The Government is looking at existing policy to decide if and where policy changes may be needed. We also intend to engage with business, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on issues with and impacts of fireworks, including on animal welfare.

The use of fireworks is governed by the Fireworks Act 2003. The Fireworks Regulations, introduced in 2004, were made under this Act and prohibit the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am. Exceptions apply for New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and 5 November. Enforcement is the responsibility of the police.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating any noise or nuisance issues brought to their attention under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act. For noise – including from fireworks - to count as a statutory nuisance it must unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises, injure health or be likely to injure health.