VIEWPOINT FOR 5 NOVEMBER 2009 
FROM DR RICHARD TAYLOR

Last Friday I used tickets for the West Midland Safari Park that I had bought at a charity auction. 
The Park was packed, literally thousands of cars were in the well organised parking areas, but living nearby we arrived early and had a clear run round the animal enclosures, marveling at the wide range of largely endangered species on view. The white lion cubs, the cheetahs and the African hunting dogs are my favourites but for the younger generation the rides in the amusement area come top.
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On Saturday I could not resist joining the crowds at Kidderminster Town railway station to see Tornado. 
This unique, newly built steam locomotive was visiting the Severn Valley Railway and I saw it arrive and depart with its long, heavily laden trains which it hauled effortlessly. What superb tourist attractions we have and what a boost they are to the local economy.
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Understandably the papers have given wide publicity to the sacking by the Home Secretary of Professor Nutt, Chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. 
Alan Johnson came before the House on Monday to explain his decision which he told MPs was based on his perception that Professor Nutt had crossed the line between offering advice and campaigning against Government decisions. He clarified his response in answer to questions by saying that a Government adviser must make it clear when he is speaking in a personal capacity and that he or she should inform the Government before speaking in public. 

I asked if the Home Secretary was satisfied that this episode did not risk putting off other experts from acting as independent Government advisors.

He replied, “I sincerely hope that it does not” and continued to underline that it was not Professor Nutt’s advice that had led to the decision but his conduct “in his very important position as the chief Government adviser on drugs”. 

Judging from the reactions in the House, rather to my surprise, most MPs appeared to side with the Home Secretary.
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The main business on Monday was a debate, originated by the Government on “Tackling anti-social behaviour”. 

I was therefore surprised when only three Labour back benchers remained long enough to be called to speak. 

In addition, apart from front benchers from the main parties there were only seven Conservative speeches, none from the Liberal Democrats and two from myself and the other elected Independent, Dai Davies. 

My amazement was compounded by the first Labour back bencher to speak, a previous cabinet member, who said, 
“I am pleased to make a contribution in what is an important debate, as evidenced by the number of hon. Members in the House on an occasion when a vote is not likely. That indicates interest from all parties in what are very significant and serious issues for our communities.” 
There were precisely 22 MPs present when she spoke! 

In my speech, limited by time, I drew attention to the difficulties the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have in prosecuting people who are alleged to cause harassment of neighbours in residential areas in the hope of increasing police powers and prosecution rates.

RT

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