MADNESS!

So you thought we lived in a democracy? How could a life-saving reform supported by the overwheling majority of MPs be 'mugged' by Transport Minister Steve Norris?

In a three hour debate, seven MPs (including three Conservatives) argued passionately for a ban on the bull bars which the RAC says kill 70 people a year.

Only one MP was against. He confessed that he was briefed by those who profit from selling these lethal posturing accessories. Six other Conservative MPs later publicly declared their disgust at the sabotage of a Labour MP's Bill.

Readers of this paper previously recruited MPs to support the ban. Without the Bill, every future week, more avoidable serious injuries and deaths will occur.

The bill will return to the Commons. The only way to stop it being blocked again is public opinion, expressed in letters to Steve Norris MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

PAUL FLYNN MP, Newport West

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.