The principle purpose of Parliament is of course to legislate and to do so in the interests of the general public. To bring forth new laws in the light of experience and to try and foresee potential problems ahead and tackle them so that people are protected.

However, I do begin to wonder if Parliament, and more particularly the Government of the day, is not trying a bit too hard in some circumstances and is creating a society which is becoming even more fearful and worried.

For instance food and health; I cannot even guess how many scare stories there have been in recent years and whilst of course BSE was serious, especially for agriculture, the number of attributed deaths over the last five years is less than the number killed on the road in a week. Remember E Coli and salmonella where we have seen outbreaks but ~I wonder if the measures subsequently introduced with cricket club sandwich makers having to be licensed and even pay a fee for inspection is not a little over the top.

I am of course concerned at the number of sex attacks that have taken place and the apparent rise in the incidence of paedophilia but I read with horror the alarmist advice from the NSPCC about protection of children which gives the impression that ever other male is a potential threat and even kissing granny could somehow be wrong.

The fear of crime is far and away greater than the reality. This has been fuelled by television programmes and lurid press reports. We are in danger of creating unnecessary fears and worries and contributing to it through either unnecessary or draconian legislation.

This week I decided to get fit, and took up the offer by Saltash Leisure Centre. My blood pressure was taken as a precaution and found 'too high'.

I could not believe it and had it checked by the sister at my surgery, who pronounced me perfectly OK. But who was the Leisure Centre protecting me, from myself, or them because they fear any consequences. Perh-aps it is about time we began to take more responsibility for ourselves and our families or we shall end up as quivering wrecks, locked in our homes for fear of the world.