Readers of local and regional papers like yourselves may have expressed recent concerns about the impact of the government's Licensing Bill on the future of live performances in churches.

I am pleased to be able to tell you and your readers that, having listened to these concerns, we have decided that places of public worship across the country will not need a licence to put on regulated entertainment of any kind.

The last thing I would want is to threaten the great tradition of church music that has been at the very heart of our nation's cultural life for hundreds of years.

The Bill will be amended as soon as possible to ensure this does not happen.

I can also tell you that we intend to exempt village and community halls from fees associated with the provision of entertainment or entertainment facilities under the licensing regime.

I recognise that they are integral to community life and provide a social hub in a great many rural and urban areas.

I am determined to enable them to continue to play this essential role.

Kim Howells Departure for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London.