Sara Hiom, of Cancer Research UK, said while it was encouraging to see survival rates for cancer improving, the differences between countries needed examination.

BBC: UK cancer survival rates lag behind other countries

He told BBC1's Andrew Marr show that other countries had more rigorous examination regimes and schools in the UK needed to catch up.

BBC: Government to phase out modular GCSEs from 2012

Other countries insist that defendants have to appear in court within eight weeks of the original hearing for a full examination of their assets.

ECONOMIST: Small claims