In 17% of the 367 cases tested, unavailability "appeared to have been systematically applied to prevent patients being reported as not meeting their treatment guarantee date".

BBC: Waiting times reports in your area

Earlier this month, for example, Sony said that demand for its new Daily Edition Reader is so strong that while it hopes to fill orders by Christmas, it can't guarantee a delivery date.

WSJ: Barnes & Noble Pushes Back Store Debut of Nook

People's savings will still have a 100% government guarantee after the split date, but this will be reviewed by the Treasury after the restructuring.

BBC: Northern Rock split date is set