Each day the mainframe settles all transactions via an online link, if it's available, or by a Net 1 agent who picks up receipts, store by store.

FORBES: Great Expectations

The primary budget balance, which excludes net interest costs, thus providing a truer picture of government receipts minus expenditures in a given year, also appeared more favorable for the euro area in 2009.

FORBES: Forget Europe, China Is The Key

"It's far too early to be drawing definitive conclusions this early in the financial year, but it's a good start: net borrowing is lower than in April last year, the current budget position is better, receipts growth is very buoyant and spending is subdued, " said Investec economist Philip Shaw.

BBC: NEWS | Business | UK finances mean boost for Brown