Frankly I disagree with Shambles - the man was obviously joking. And is there any reason he *should* like all types of music? no-one here at Mudcat will say a good word for rap music, but if he'd used that as an example instead then he'd be getting your wholehearted support and be getting a slating from the DJ crowd instead. But in spite of that, he's working to improve matters. Shambles' letter from Ronnie Bridgett says that although you will need a license to have musicians playing, that license will come for free along with a license to sell alcohol, which doesn't seem restrictive to me.

The original quote:-

Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome): Is it not ridiculous that, in the unlikely event of Michael Jackson and Madonna teaming up to do a gig down the local pub, they could do so, yet three people singing Somerset folk songs would not be able to do so? Does the Minister not recognise that live music in pubs and inns has the potential to make a major contribution to tourism in rural areas, which we have already said we want to promote?

Dr. Howells: We are straying into very dangerous territory. For a simple urban boy such as me, the idea of listening to three Somerset folk singers sounds like hell. Having said that, the hon. Gentleman is right: music does enliven many pubs and restaurants. It should thrive. Silly rules are preventing it from doing so.

Graham.