You'll note though, if you read that transcript, that the whole issue of the inmpact of the Bill on live music is hardly mentioned - one passing reference to it as a side issue to a passing mention of the fact that there is criticism of the plans to extend the freedom of pubs to open longer. No indication that tens thousands of people have already signed the petition agains twhat he is proposing.

And he got off remarkably lightly from a journalst who had clearly either skipped doing his homework prior to the interview, or was in Howells' pocket all along.

Quick, get your letters in to: letters@guardian.co.uk