The state pension comes in two parts, a basic state pension and an earnings related element previously called Serps, but now known as the State Second Pension (S2P).

BBC: Pensions questions answered

As it is, the government seems hesitant even to privatise the earnings-related element of the state pension.

ECONOMIST: From Beveridge to Blair

The new state rules on disclosure should add an element of clarity for consumers, but consumers will still have to be diligent enough to search out alternative plans.

FORBES: An Expensive Education

They are no longer prepared to sign up to 20- or 30-year franchises as long as a key element of risk, the state of the track, remains outside their control.

ECONOMIST: A better way to run a railway

Cooperation by all levels of government - federal, state and municipal - is a crucial element necessary for long-term recovery in the region, said Amy Liu, deputy director of The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program.

CNN: Tale of two cities: Biloxi and New Orleans

"It speaks to a state where change isn't an important element in day-to-day life, " Baer said.

CNN: Obama camp: Clinton trying to 'distract attention'

In collaboration with Elena Pasyukova at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, in Moscow, and Trudy Mackay of North Carolina State University at Raleigh, he has been studying a transposable element known as copia.

ECONOMIST: Truly selfish genes

Bristow said an element of the night vision kit had required an export agreement with the US State Department.

BBC: 'Latest technology' for new coastguard helicopters

The trade unions and his own Social Democratic left-wingers are already squealing about the government's plans to bring an element of private financing to Germany's pay-as-you-go state pensions, while the opposition has pulled out of the negotiations altogether.

ECONOMIST: The chancellor gets his deal