This is part of what I'm saying. Kim Howells is no fool, despite what some may say.

To make comments in print that:

I therefore categorically state that the following will not be licensable:

1) church bell ringers practising and the testing of equipment in a music shop

2) studio recording sessions and rehearsals at a practice studio or in a private house (to which the general public are not admitted)

3) school concerts where the general public are not admitted n music lessons

4) singing 'happy birthday' in a restaurant

5) musicians paid to perform at a private party - including a wedding - for which those attending are not charged and to which the general public are not admitted.

are going to rebound really badly against him if he's making them up, and might destroy his career. I really don't think that he's intent on writing a political suicide note.

Ed