There is widespread resistance to the Wolverhampton Business Airport proposals. I attended a meeting in Kingswinford organised by Ian Pearson MP for Dudley South. Residents were well aware of the blight from low flying aircraft and they were equally concerned with the disastrous effect on our lovely green belt and wild life. One brave chap spoke in favour of the proposals and his contribution did warn us that there is a real threat to our campaign from business communities in Wolverhampton and other parts of the West Midlands who see the benefits of a large airport to develop the West Midlands economy as more important than preservation of the countryside.

Letters of objection have to be sent before 29 June to :

Department of Transport, Air Transport Midlands Zone, 1/28C,
Freepost, 
London, 17806, 
SW1P 4YS

Those concerned about the terror that fireworks cause among children and animals will be pleased that the Fireworks Bill which will exert some control on the sale and use of fireworks passed its Third Reading in the House on Friday, 13 June.

Many have objected to me about the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Report that proposes deregulation of the provision of pharmacy services. The Health Committee has just published its report on this proposal and agrees that the viability of small local pharmacies could be threatened if deregulation is allowed. 
The Tory Opposition secured a debate on Community Pharmacies on 17 June and it was good to hear that all parties recognise the importance of community pharmacies. They appreciate the additional services that such pharmacies provide and the vital importance of them to local people, often elderly, ill or disabled. 
The Tory motion expressed concern about any change in regulation that could threaten these services. 
The Government amendment which of course was passed, supported change to open up the market but "without diminishing the crucial role that community pharmacies play especially in poorer areas". 

I voted with the Opposition as I doubted that the Government could achieve what was expressed in their amendment. However, the Government spokesman did state that she had not studied the Health Committee Report yet, that OFT only considers competition and that the Government is responsible for health policy! 
A decision is expected in July.

Last week I met Inspector Jim Baker and Kidderminster Police Beat Managers. I was impressed with their knowledge of local problems and with their plans for improved policing with their extra resources. The Beat Managers had two important messages.

• People must be more responsible for the security of their own cars and homes and
• parents must turn off their televisions and spend more time with their kids.

What excellent advice for us all!

R.T.