Mr Martin said Congo would be allowed to rejoin the process "when it is in a position to fully implement the requirements of the certification scheme".

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Congo anger at diamond suspension

Plans to implement a registration scheme for multiple occupancy homes on the Isle of Man will go to public consultation, the government has said.

BBC: Isle of Man clamp down on multiple occupancy homes

Of special note were concerns expressed about the supranational mechanisms that would have to be created to implement, monitor and enforce the sort of comprehensive energy management scheme entailed in such a treaty and the "emissions trading" arrangement expected to accompany it.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Global warning' about global climate change treaty

In particular, Clinton's leadership and gravitas are needed to implement an international certification scheme that enables companies to trace the source of the minerals to ensure that they aren't funding armed groups, and that allows consumers to choose which companies to give business to, based on their human rights record in Congo.

CNN: Your cell phone, Congo's misery

Senior trading standards officer Tom Hutchinson will outline a proposal for a lorry watch scheme to monitor the numbers of HGVs through the centre of Bradford-on-Avon should Banes council implement the proposals.

BBC: Bath lorry ban could impact Bradford-on-Avon

However, he said his officials were working closely with Treasury to implement a replacement scheme in 2011, but that the quarry industry would have to bear the pain of the EU decision in the intervening period.

BBC: Quarry industry