I know that I am not alone in viewing with very real concern and apprehension the approaching relaxation of the Licensing laws.  From November Public Houses will be able to open for twenty four hours of the day if they get permission from the Local Authority.  I believe that the Government has been very misguided in bringing in this legislation.  In saying that I know that I echo the views of many senior Police Officers and others, not to mention the inhabitants of the villages of South Staffordshire.  Even small and charming places like Brewood and Kinver have suffered from the antics of drunken youths.  In my view no Public House should ever be able to open for more than a maximum of fourteen hours a day and no Public House should be allowed to be open through the night – save for the possible exception of New Year’s Eve. 

I very much hope that the local authorities in our part of the world will look very carefully indeed at any application for round-the-clock drinking.  It is an undeniable fact that much of the mindless vandalism – and worse – committed on our streets is committed by those who are under the influence of alcohol.  Alcohol is a pleasant enough servant in moderation but a terrible master. 

Turning briefly to the domestic agenda, Dr Tony Wright and I had a very useful meeting with Yvette Cooper, the Minister in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office who has particular responsibility for legislation governing gypsies and travellers.  We voiced the concern of our constituents at incursions into Green Belt land, and the problems caused as a result of travellers buying up land and then encamping upon it.  Clearly we could not discuss individual cases on which the Minister may well have to adjudicate but she did assure us that the whole law was being reviewed and promised that proposals would be brought forward later in the year.  For those constituents living in the Hatherton area this cannot be a moment too soon.