But since blanket grade inflation rather than a shift to easier ones is the main force at work, this would have little effect.

ECONOMIST: A-level results

"A 5mm (0.2 inches) particle striking a large solar array is likely to have a very little long-lasting effect, but such an object hitting the main body of a satellite could cause a vital component to fail, " he said.

CNN: Space harpoon plan to nail orbital garbage

One of the main considerations during the committee meetings has been the effect the economic crisis will have on the future of the cohesion policy.

BBC: Debate on the EU cohesion policy

But Western leaders know that their measures may have little effect unless they can persuade Myanmar's Asian neighbours, who are its main trading partners and arms suppliers, to join them.

ECONOMIST: Why ASEAN should be worried about Myanmar

Mr Coogan warned that the bank's efforts had yet to have much effect on the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (Libor), the main interest rate governing the cost of lending between banks.

BBC: Mortgage lending hits 33-year low