OK McGrath - I just put my mouse where my mouth is, and sent this fax to my local MP. Will that do for starters?

Dear Mr Jim Cousins,

You will no doubt be aware that the highly unsatisfactory (though seldom enforced) English law on music-making in public places is soon to be amended, following recommendations in a recent White Paper. The proposals in this White Paper are even more unsatisfactory (and unjust) than the legislation they replace.

Briefly, the new law will insist that live music, dancing and singing can only take place in any public space, indoors or outdoors, if covered by a Public Entertainments License (PEL). This PEL will be obtainable from the local authority at a cost of several thousand pounds. Failure to comply with this regulation will be punishable by a heavy fine, or possibly by imprisonment. (Note that Scottish law is far more rational on this issue. No license is required in Scotland for informal music-making in bars.)

This new law will lead to an absurdly illogical situation. A large modern pub, generating a high decibel output with its wide-screen televised football and state of the art juke-box, will not require a PEL. Whereas a small rural pub, in which a few folk singers and musicians occasionally gather to amuse themselves with unamplified music, will have to pay thousands of pounds for a PEL or risk prosecution. A team of Morris dancers who wish to perform outside the pub will be subject to the same restriction.

I realise that folk musicians and Morris dancers are only a small minority of the electorate. Nevertheless, we do exist, and we have votes. Furthermore, a considerable number of electors earn their living from the tourism industry, which benefits considerably from the survival of our national culture, including our traditional dance and song.

You might also consider the possibility that if this new law is enacted and enforced, then test cases will be taken to the European Court. Many people (including some European lawyers) argue that the right to sing - while not disturbing the peace, or giving offence to others - is indeed a basic human right. Prolonged litigation over this issue could cause the Government of the day considerable embarrassment.

I would therefore urge you to use your influence in the House of Commons to encourage the Government to drop this proposed legislation, and replace it with something more sensible.

Yours etc