2. Definition of the night-time noise indicator

Annex VI of the new directive outlines the technical specifications for noise mapping including an indication of the ranges of decibels to be used in measuring the level of noise to which people are exposed in agglomerations, major roads, railways and airports.

Adopting the UN convention on the rights of the child means little when we drop to 11th on the international poverty index with barely a whimper.

Hence, too, our demand that we should not immediately announce a framework directive to which we attach specified noise indicators and limit values. Rather, we should say that we want to obtain the land registers first and then, in three years' time, to adopt appropriate subsidiary directives with quality standards for noise policy.

I consider it to be progress in itself that there are harmonised methods of noise measurement and common noise indicators.

3. Establishment of Community framework rules for measures at airport level: this comprises numerous measures such as a common noise classification scheme, the definition of a standard index and a standard method for calculating noise exposure levels, the introduction of noise-monitoring, noise-zoning and land-use rules, the study of recommended practices for deciding on land use around airports, the setting of eligibility criteria (based on the existence of land-use rules) to be met before any financial aid is granted for the construction or extension of airports and, lastly, the establishment of a Community framework for operating rule ...[+++]s.