Suicide country
The BBC is to broadcast a documentary featuring a man committing suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zurich. Where else in the world can assisted suicide be carried out without attracting a murder charge?
Netherlands: prosecutions for voluntary euthanasia effectively ceased in 1973, after an agreement between doctors and the government. Formally legalised in 2001 by Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act 2001
Belgium: euthanasia legalised for adults in 2002. A bill to extend it to children failed in 2004
Oregon: law to allow doctor-assisted suicide (Death with Dignity Act) passed in 1994, and came into force in 1997
Washington state: Death with Dignity Act passed in 2008
In addition, Australia’s Northern Territories passed an act legalising assisted suicide in 1996, overturned by the Australian government the following year
Live aid
The government and John Major defended the UK’s rising aid budget. Here are some ways in which the money is spent:
Helping 120 bamboo farmers switch to other crops, Uganda: £350,000
Helping Moldova develop a Medium Term Expenditure Framework to help balance its budget: £2.7m
For the National Taxpayers’ Association in Kenya’s Rift Valley: £200,000
Establishing crab fisheries in Zanzibar: £89m
University challenge
The Commons public accounts committee says up to ten universities could close as a result of changes to funding. How has the number of universities in Britain changed over time? Each of these figures marks the end of a period of expansion:
By 1582: 6
By 1895: 17
By 1909: 22
By 1957: 28
By 1969: 51
By 1997: 89
By 2011: 121
Flashing the plastic
Wayne Rooney was said to have spent £13,000 on a hair transplant. What is the cost of vanity?
Ear pinning £1,470
Nose correction (large) £3,800
Full tummy tuck £3,800
Breast enlargement and breast lift £4,400
Full face and neck lift £5,200
Source: Direct Healthcare International
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