Red Tape

Yaxlich has just been chuckling quietly to himself as he read about a new book called "How to Label a Goat" which will be available in all good bookstores for Christmas. The book by Ross Clark gives examples as to how Britain is becoming a country strangled by red tape. Here are some real examples: :: Soldiers learning the bagpipes have been banned from playing for more than 24 minutes a day to protect their ears. :: A Cardiff pensioner was stopped from getting on a bus because he was carrying a tin of paint, breaking health and safety rules. The bus company later apologised and said it would be more flexible. :: Bristol City Council spent 5,000 pounds on 100 yew trees, only to dig them up after a "risk assessment" ruled they could harm children at a nearby playground if they ate the leaves. :: Norwich City Council ordered 20 roadside horse chestnut trees to be felled because falling conkers could damage cars, make the pavement slippery and lead to children being run over as they collected conkers. Yaxlich hopes that Father Christmas delivers a copy of "How to Label a Goat" this year. He has been a very good boy.