First stop today was with our Chief Constable. Debbie Simpson is a most able Chief and doing a wonderful job. I hold regular meetings with her in confidence to keep my finger on the police pulse, especially after police budgets have been set. And I'm glad to say that the Government did not cut police budgets as was predicted so there's some relief there. After a most fruitful hour with Ms Simpson, I drove across to our Association HQs next door. After a useful and informative catch-up with my own team I set off for Portland as the rain came down. And, boy, did it come down. By the time I reached Portland Engineering on the island, I was soaked. I had chosen to take my motorbike which, on reflection, was not a wise choice, perhaps! The meeting with Ian Srong, the company's production manager, was as always most interesting. In addition to talking about his business, we also chatted about his idea to combat re-offending by prisoners. I've sent his idea to the prisons' minister, Andrew Selous. Afterwards, I attended another of my regular surgeries on the island before battling my way home in the dark and pouring rain.