The answer appears to be contained in the following..........

From a letter of 04/09/02 from Dr Howells to Rt Hon Chris Smith MP.

We recognise the importance of having a reliable definition of what constitutes a public performance and it is clear that if a musician or other performer is accepting money for a performance then it would be regarded as a public performance.

By these words, paying carol singers at the door is unquestionably a public performance. It is a jolly question for us to ask our MPs to clarify.

By asking our MPs, it will show them that it is not at all clear, after all the time taken, what exactly is licensable and why.

This is surely a demonstration of how poor the proposals are?