Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-03-12-Speech-2-162"
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"en.20020312.8.2-162"2
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"Mr President, I will start by expressing my amazement at the speech by Mr Hughes, whom I usually experience as being a reasonably logical and calm person and who suddenly, as soon as there is any objection to this directive, from whatever quarter, is of the opinion that sinister forces are at work. We are simply carrying out our task as parliamentarians and we listen to everyone, including people who are not directly involved in the process that leads to directives. In my view, this Parliament is not indifferent to the cause of health and safety, nor to objections concerning the implementation thereof. I am therefore delighted that we can conclude the second reading of the noise directive – forgive me for not using the correct title of the directive – this week.
According to the Dutch official dictionary, noise is defined as a harsh, unpleasant sound, including background noise, din, racket, roar and commotion. In other words, it is a noise which any right-minded person will experience as disagreeable and which we can do without. I am therefore astounded, even dismayed – and many a composer will be turning in their graves – that Beethoven is being likened to a drill. According to the Council, the Commission and a number of fellow MEPs, being subjected to the noise of a hefty circular saw is actually worse than Tchaikovsky. I do understand that this is not merely about whether the noise is irritating, but also whether it is harmful. What I should like to point out is that different types of noise justify a differentiated approach. I am of the opinion that the music and entertainment industry should fall outside the scope of this directive and be regulated in a separate directive.
The fundamental difference between noise and Vivaldi is as follows: in the music and entertainment industry, sound is the ultimate product, or at least an important component thereof. Sound plays a central role in this industry. Noise in a factory is a negative side-effect, which makes no difference to the end result of the activity – quite the reverse, in fact – if it is not there. Music involves customers; it involves activities of great cultural value, especially for young people. We would not prevent professional footballers from playing in excess of 45 minutes per week, would we? That is the difference; that is what matters; we found a response to it other than levelling unjustified criticism at this side of the House, as though we have no care for musical technique. We have, but we also care about the people concerned."@en1
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