This from Trevor Gilson

(Dr Howell's boss) Tessa Jowell, according to Mr Caborn "had to attend the folk singing awards to smooth troubled waters, as it were".

As listeners to the Radio broadcast will know, she actually said at that time, "Thank-you very much indeed for inviting me to be here with you this evening" and, in direct mimicry of Kim Howell's remark, "I think that there is nothing closer to hell for those who enjoy folk music than having to listen to a politician".

All jolly good fun of course but not much fun for UK licensees who are facing £20,000 fines or a 6 month prison term, whilst this 'silly' is still being strictly enforced.