The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #63701 Message #1037679
Posted By: GUEST,John J...notaguest
18-Oct-03 - 08:26 AM
Thread Name: PEL stops session in Cheshire
Subject: RE: PEL stops session in Cheshire
I've just done a search on Hansard, it appears that a musician friend of mine faxed his (also my) MP regarding this matter. Mr Graham Brady who is MP for Sale West & Altrincham, and very active locally, raised the question in the House of Commons less than 24 hours after the event. I have written to Graham Brady a couple of times regarding the P.E.L. situation, so he is well aware of our concerns. His responses have always been coscientous, he clearly takes the views of his constituents seriously (even if they don't for him!).
Mr. Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale, West): My constituent Mr. Peach faxed me this morning to say that police last night apparently visited the Bull's Head pub in Mobberley. They were not looking for drugs or guns, but wanted to inform patrons that it would in future be illegal to hold traditional music sessions there. Can we have an urgent debate or statement next week on the implementation of the new music licensing regime?
16 Oct 2003 : Column 269
When the new licensing legislation was being considered, Ministers assured the House that there would not be absurd and excessive regulation in its implementation, but there are worrying signs that the absurdities that we feared are taking place. If that is happening, we need a debate to stop it going any further.
Mr. Hain: The Government are not in favour of absurd regulations on this matter. The hon. Gentleman knows that the issue was carefully and thoroughly debated in Standing Committee. However, I shall certainly refer the episode that he describes to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. I have no reason to doubt that the facts are as he described, so it is obviously a matter for concern.