I WAS talking to a young woman last week, a single mother with three children, who had her 'own' house, but was 'a bit skint.' She had to manage on benefits but "it's really not enough!"

I was a little stunned at the ease with which she discussed all this, for in her place I would have been mortified, ashamed to admit that I'd allowed myself to be in that position.

She talked like having three children was a complete accident, had nothing to do with her, and that the cost of the welfare and upbringing was their' responsibility - their being the state.

Now don't get me wrong, we must have a safety net for the old and the lame.

But subsidising single parenthood is a bit like subsidising drinking - a bit stupid and not to be recommended.

We are far too liberal with benefits to the young and fit, which is not good for them and it's certainly not good for the country.

Now we're doing the same thing, by allowing too many infringements of liberties, and freedoms.

These we should guard fiercely for our heritage, traditions and freedoms are not ours,' but only ours' to care for, to cherish and look after and hopefully, pass on intact for those that follow.