The cost, in terms of last-minute concessions to bring over the Bundesrat's supposedly neutral block, is not much more than the extra DM6 billion in tax revenue likely to come from faster-than- expected growth this year.

ECONOMIST: The chancellor gets his deal

"Most of the premises over a six-month period have either not lost any money, so it's cost-neutral still, or in some cases they have actually made some extra money, " said Ch Insp Mason.

BBC: Street drinker