Barking - bells on bikes

I see that the nanny state has now proposed that all bikes must have a bell fitted.
What evidence is there that this will help prevent the annual average 2.4 deaths of pedestrians caused by cyclists?
My normal reaction when avoiding a pedestrian, who has wandered into the road without looking, is to shout at them while I brake and/or steer away from them. Trying to fumble with a cycle bell while steering and braking is an accident waiting to happen!
If this comes to be, will it apply to all cyclists using our highways, such as the Tour de France in July next year?
I'll probably end up attaching my bell to somewhere useful, like the seat stem.