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  This article appeared in The Diss Express on 14 May 2004

Yes, the food was indeed glorious!

In the first of a series of monthly Diss Express columns, South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon discusses the important issues affecting people in his constituency.

 

 

EARLIER this month, I was delighted to visit the third Harleston and Waveney Festival.

ABOVE: Richard Bacon gets his hands on some of Terry Beales' prize-winning sausages at the Harleston and Waveney Festival

With a name like mine, you may understand why I was keen on the Festival's theme this year: Food, Glorious Food. At the opening ceremony, there was a good crowd to listen to the excellent Norfolk Wherry Band.

After a speech by Cllr Vera Alexander, who is chairman of South Norfolk Council, Anglia TV's Helen McDermott and I launched some balloons to get the festival off to a flying start.

A varied programme included dance, music, art and a literary evening with local author Louis de Bernieres. Congratulations must go to festival chairman Judith Osborne and her hard-working team.

While in Harleston I visited butcher Terry Beale to sample some of his fine, award-winning sausages which he makes from locally-reared pork. Now, there's a man after my own heart!

Support our farmers
DID you know that, according to a recent report, more than half the pork and bacon eaten in this country is imported?

Almost three quarters of these imports are from pigs reared to lower animal welfare standards than those required in Britain. That's bad news for the animals and unfair to farmers in Norfolk.

"Oh, but I always check the label to ensure it's British," I hear many of you say. But under current laws, even if meat is reared abroad it can still be labelled 'product of Britain' if it is processed or packaged here.

My food labelling Bill would make such tricks illegal and give our farmers a fair chance. With cross-party support, the Bill is due for its second reading in the July. I'll keep you posted.

In self defence
SHOULD homeowners run the risk of being the wrong side of the law if they try to defend themselves against intruders?

The area policed from Diss is 270 square miles -nearly half the size of greater London -so if, God forbid, a burglar should turn up, help will not arrive straightaway.

With this in mind, I spoke out in the House of Commons recently in support of a Bill which seeks to. protect the right of homeowners to defend their families and property from criminals. It's time to stop treating burglars like victims.

I was disappointed that the backbench Bill was talked out by the Home Office minister, Fiona Mactaggart. However, I shall continue to support new moves to change the law.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 643728.


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