Freedom of choice and the nanny state

There's been a lot of debate of late about the power of governments over companies, and the role of state regulation of financial markets.

But what about the power of the authorities over us as people - as individuals - how much liberty should we have?

Opinion usually divides between those who want government right out of our private lives, and those who see a bigger role for it as the keeper of morality and wise behaviour - what's sometimes called the nanny state.

But is there a middle way? professor Julian Le Grand works in health and education economics for the London School of Economics, and he thinks there might be.

But can you have true freedom if the government is trying to show you down one particular path? Dr Madsen Pirie, president and founder of the Adam Smith Institute, is sceptical.

First broadcast on 07 August 2009