THE Prime Minister said yesterday that new curbs on ''raves'' and New

Age Travellers proved the Government's determination to tackle those who

ignored the rights and property of ''law-abiding citizens''.

Mr Major told the Commons at Question Time: ''It is wholly

unacceptable behaviour and that is why we have given the police tougher

powers to deal with it.''

Tory Charles Hendry raised the issue, saying police and residents

opposed an all-night rave planned in his High Peak, Derbyshire

constituency in May.

''These events have less to do with entertainment than with organised

crime pushing illegal and dangerous drugs,'' Mr Hendry said.

Mr John Carlisle (Luton North -- Con.) said: ''Raves are extremely

dangerous and very worrying for those parents who have little idea where

their children are going in the evenings.''