It was unnecessary, for example, to tell people they were on a non-smoking train when it was banned on all trains.

BBC: Train operators urged to curb 'excessive' announcements

Smoking, once prohibited only in a few train carriages or sections of aircraft, is now banned totally in many offices, on most public transport and even in many bars.

ECONOMIST: When children should be screened and not heard

Mr Weeks does his research and drily reports that, while there may not have been a bank employee on the train, the amorous smoking couple did exist.

ECONOMIST: But who's complaining?