The full Lords debate on 19 June 2003 can now be seen on the following.

http://tinyurl.com/et2l

Is the following the best that the Government can offer?

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19 Jun 2003 : Column 951

Lord Redesdale: I gave the Minister notice earlier of a particular question about the provision of folk dance. I know that it falls outside this amendment. However, I have had a large number of representations from the folk dance world. Kim Howells, his right honourable friend in another place has definite views on folk dance. However, I would be very grateful if the Minister could give some indication over how temporary event notices will work in relation to Morris men so that they may be reassured in carrying on their activities.

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Lord McIntosh of Haringey: I can say something nice to the noble Lord, Lord Redesdale, about morris dancing. He will have heard, as I have, the moral law that only two things are absolutely forbidden incest and morris dancing.

I want to make it clear that when morris dancers arrive at a pub unannounced for example, on the way back from another event and have a pint in a pub garden, and start dancing, there is no need for an authorisation of this kind.

They would not be providing entertainment that fell within the definition of the provision of regulated entertainment. No genuinely spontaneous activity I say this to the noble Lord, Lord Colwyn, as well whether it is singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, will be caught by the Bill.

So if a coachload of lap-dancers and stippers stopped off in your local on their way home, and proceeded to perform - they would not be caught by the Bill either. Or presumably drugged-up young dancers on their way home from their rave?

I am not sure how you can ever genuinely claim it is spontaneous, to get all the members of a Morris side dressed-up with musicians ready to play. But should you advise in advance that you are to perform anywhere - this will be illegal without a licence.......

Where are the words and the word spontaneous - in the Bill that support what the Noble Lord says is the case?