There are other questions that only a full and independent inquiry can answer.

BBC: Jimmy Savile scandal: Media reaction to BBC approach

The services are heavily marketed to cardholders, particularly when you call a toll-free number to activate a card or ask a question, or when a customer-service rep calls to answer an inquiry.

WSJ: Getting Going: The Financial Fear Mongers

That inquiry led to an answer.

FORBES: U.S. Powerless Against Honor Killings In Afghanistan

Now, thanks to a report submitted last Friday by an official inquiry, we have the answer.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Not saying the unsayable

She appeared before the Leveson Inquiry into press standards to answer key questions about the hacking scandal.

CNN: Phone-hacking scandal: Who is Rebekah Brooks?

Even finding someone knowledgeable at either agency to answer a telephone inquiry is difficult, to say the least.

FORBES: Secrets of the DOL and PBGC: What Happens When Pensions are Taken Over by the Government? (July 5, 2005)

But the questions raised by Mr Kay's volte-face may only go away if an independent inquiry is set up to answer them.

ECONOMIST: David Kay and Iraq's WMD

The short answer, following an inquiry and acres of press coverage, is "not as much as we had thought".

BBC: Q & A: Last year's fiasco

This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Bernard, who wants an answer to the age-old question of ensuring you get the most out of your batteries.

ENGADGET

Mr Starr was criticised for summoning Sidney Blumenthal, a journalist turned White House spin doctor, to answer questions about press attacks on the inquiry.

ECONOMIST: The threat to Kohl