[Module::Build] Module::Build installation problem: Interaction with cpan shell and gpg

[James K. <jk...@ve...>]

I am repeatedly encountering problems using the 'cpan' shell to install 
Module::Build on my laptop (iBook G4, Mac OS X 10.3, Perl 5.8.7).  I 
have gnupg installed, and the interaction between cpan, Module::Build 
and gnupg is the problem.  Whether I am installing only Module::Build 
or installing Module::Build as part of a Bundle::CPAN upgrade, I get a 
message like this:

#####
Removing previously used /Users/jimk/.cpan/build/Module-Build-0.28
gpg: WARNING: unsafe ownership on configuration file 
`/Users/jimk/.gnupg/gpg.conf'
gpg: WARNING: unsafe ownership on configuration file 
`/Users/jimk/.gnupg/gpg.conf'
gpg: Signature made Fri Apr 28 00:14:21 2006 EDT using DSA key ID 
A6ZK6789
gpg: external program calls are disabled due to unsafe options file 
permissions
gpg: keyserver communications error: general error
gpg: Can't check signature: public key not found
==> BAD/TAMPERED signature detected! <==

Signature invalid for distribution file. Please investigate.
#####

Module::Build subsequently fails to install via 'cpan' -- but I then 
have no problem manually downloading and installing it from CPAN!  But 
this is a nuisance; I would much prefer that the cpan shell DWIM.

I previously raised this question on Perlmonks 
(http://perlmonks.org/?node_id=543255), but that thread petered out 
without a clear answer.  I searched the archives of this mailing list 
for "unsafe ownership on configuration file" and "Signature invalid" 
and "gpg," but didn't come up with anything directly relevant.  Further 
note (in case it's relevant):  I have gpg version 1.4.1 and 
Module::Signature 0.53.

I should note that I encounter this problem with some CPAN modules 
besides Module::Build.  So it's not specific to Module::Build, but most 
CPAN modules install without incident.  I don't claim to understand 
gnupg all that well, so I can't evaluate the error message.  Can anyone 
help?

Thanks.
Jim Keenan