Last year it completely stopped the contract, forcing a court to decide whether the Air Force could go ahead with a new bid.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

Mr Derek Machin, acting chairman of the BMA's consultants' committee, warned the government against forcing new consultants to accept the contract.

BBC: 'Go it alone' threat from doctors

This is forcing Japanese companies and foreign companies operating in Japan to use U.S. courts and U.S. contract law, he says.

FORBES: Japan's Dirty Secrets