I have sent the following to my MP. As we have come late to recognise the true horror of the proposed reforms, wrongly placing our trust in the Government's words, there is a danger of forgetting the venues and activities that they are just watching, while local authorities are hassassing and closing down.
Dear Mr Knight
A click on the above link will enable you to read this council's position in their own words, in the letter to the pub. A position that is held in complete opposition to the one stated by Dr Howells, as the Government's.
Where the "two in a bar" rule should not be used to prevent ordinary people making music in pubs (or indeed tapping their feet).
Can you please urgently advise what Dr Howells is going to do under the current legislation to protect valuable cultural activities from this stupidity, which is making this nation a laughing stock?
His department have done nothing, despite this problem being brought to his attention by yourself in early 2001, over the actions of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and detailed in the Commons debate on 27 February 2002.
140 MP's have now signed EDM 1182.
How many more traditional activities are this Government's Culture Department just going to sit back an allow the nation to lose? Urgent action is now required, can you please contact Dr Howells again and advise what form this action will take, to ensure that local authorities will now follow the Minister's wishes and free the public from this unjustified oppression?
Roger
Mr Caborn, in the 27 February 2002 Commons debate stated.
The hon. Gentleman asks whether we can give guidance to local authorities. I do not think that we can, but I take on board the point that he makes, and I shall speak to officials tomorrow to find out whether we can produce some guidance. If that can be done, I will ensure that it is. I shall also consider the issue that he raised about the website.