Nov. 7: addendum for Nov. 7

There will be no charges against SWN (shale gas company) for illegally carrying out shale gas exploration in Sussex. Apparently, it's not illegal to break the law if you're a gas company. Next time you get stopped for speeding, tell the police officer it's okay; you're a gas company.

So now our fearless minister of natural resources has two choices. He can ask for an apology or, as he did earlier, get tough and ask for a sincere apology.

I doubt whether he'll get either.

I also doubt that we'll see the legislation tightened at any time in the near future.