I HAVE a reader called John who sends me information culled from the internet that is invariably amusing.
I pass on the following laws from around the world, simply to raise a smile on a dull Tuesday, and to illustrate that being daft is not the prerogative of our present Government:
It is illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas Day. This was introduced by Oliver Cromwell who also banned Christmas.
It is illegal for a cab in the City of London to carry rabid dogs or corpses.
In France, it is forbidden to call a pig Napoleon.
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.
In Ohio, it is against state law to get a fish drunk.
In England, all men over the age of 14 must carry out two hours of longbow practice a day.
In San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad.
In Florida, unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed.
In Kentucky, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon more than six-feet long.
In Chester, Welshmen are banned from entering the city before sunrise and from staying after sunset.
In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.
In London, it is illegal to flag down a taxi if you have the plague.