We shall soon be able to issue a draft circular to local authorities on the basis of which they will be able to take action. My Lords, I am sure that it is a matter for your Lordships' House. If the noise level has risen in the corridors of the House, I think it is quite likely, based on my experience, that it has also risen in the Chamber, especially when some noble Lords make provocative speeches. A noise offender on a housing estate can bring down the quality of life for all the people living there. My Lords, the noble Lord is perfectly correct.
Noisy neighbours can be deeply offensive.
It is right that some local authorities should take the steps they can to remove noisy neighbours in order to enable other people to live reasonable lives. I give your Lordships one example. Kensington and Chelsea Council seems rather lax in its evaluation of noise emitted by equipment in that area. My Lords, I am not too familiar with the study to which my noble friend refers. The Noise Act only relates to noise emitted between the hours of 11 o'clock at night and 7 o'clock in the morning.