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16/05/2012
Other News In Brief
Britain Needs To Go Metric Says Lord Howe
Former foreign secretary Lord Howe has called for an urgent changeover to metric claiming that Britain's mixture of measurement systems will give this summer's Olympic visitors the impression the country is "a nation living in the imperial past".
He told peers the lack of action to deal with the "confusing shambles" was the "most glaring omission" from the Queen's Speech.
North Sea Gas Leak Stopped
The gas leak from the Elgin platform in the North Sea has been stopped according to oil firm Total.
An attempt to stop the leak by pumping heavy mud into the well got under way on Tuesday.
Total said the operation had stopped the well leak within 12 hours and described the development as a "major turning point".
The company's platform was evacuated when the gas began leaking on Sunday 25 March.
ISPs Told To Be Honest About Broadband Speeds
Broadband companies are failing to offer a speed quote to potential customers in 41% of their sales calls, in breach of a code introduced last year to protect consumers.
A mystery shopping exercise carried out for telecoms watchdog Ofcom tested how many broadband providers followed the rules by offering an estimated speed without prompting by the customer.
TalkTalk was the worst offender, offering an unprompted quote in just 47% of cases, compared to an average across all providers of 59%. BT Total Broadband was the second worst, offering a quote in only 48% of calls.
Since July last year, a voluntary code signed by all the largest internet service providers requires them to inform potential customers of their likely maximum speed, in the form of a range, as early as practicable in the sales process.
(H)
Former foreign secretary Lord Howe has called for an urgent changeover to metric claiming that Britain's mixture of measurement systems will give this summer's Olympic visitors the impression the country is "a nation living in the imperial past".
He told peers the lack of action to deal with the "confusing shambles" was the "most glaring omission" from the Queen's Speech.
North Sea Gas Leak Stopped
The gas leak from the Elgin platform in the North Sea has been stopped according to oil firm Total.
An attempt to stop the leak by pumping heavy mud into the well got under way on Tuesday.
Total said the operation had stopped the well leak within 12 hours and described the development as a "major turning point".
The company's platform was evacuated when the gas began leaking on Sunday 25 March.
ISPs Told To Be Honest About Broadband Speeds
Broadband companies are failing to offer a speed quote to potential customers in 41% of their sales calls, in breach of a code introduced last year to protect consumers.
A mystery shopping exercise carried out for telecoms watchdog Ofcom tested how many broadband providers followed the rules by offering an estimated speed without prompting by the customer.
TalkTalk was the worst offender, offering an unprompted quote in just 47% of cases, compared to an average across all providers of 59%. BT Total Broadband was the second worst, offering a quote in only 48% of calls.
Since July last year, a voluntary code signed by all the largest internet service providers requires them to inform potential customers of their likely maximum speed, in the form of a range, as early as practicable in the sales process.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
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23 April 2007
Sewage leak stopped at Firth of Forth
A sewage leak at the Firth of Forth, which resulted in millions of litres of sewage being pumped into it, has now been stopped. Millions of litres of sewage pumped into the Forth following a pump failure at the Seafield wastewater treatment plant in Edinburgh on Friday afternoon.
Sewage leak stopped at Firth of Forth
A sewage leak at the Firth of Forth, which resulted in millions of litres of sewage being pumped into it, has now been stopped. Millions of litres of sewage pumped into the Forth following a pump failure at the Seafield wastewater treatment plant in Edinburgh on Friday afternoon.
18 November 2003
Total broadband coverage by 2005, says BT
Total broadband coverage for internet access in all areas of the UK may be achieved by 2005 if industry and government work in partnership, according to BT.
Total broadband coverage by 2005, says BT
Total broadband coverage for internet access in all areas of the UK may be achieved by 2005 if industry and government work in partnership, according to BT.
20 December 2011
TalkTalk Most Complained About Last Quarter
A report from the UK's telecoms regulator has revealed that the TalkTalk group is the most complained about company in the industry last quarter, for its landline and fixed broadband services. Ofcom’s data showed that from July to September 2011 it received the most complaints about the TalkTalk Group with 0.
TalkTalk Most Complained About Last Quarter
A report from the UK's telecoms regulator has revealed that the TalkTalk group is the most complained about company in the industry last quarter, for its landline and fixed broadband services. Ofcom’s data showed that from July to September 2011 it received the most complaints about the TalkTalk Group with 0.
15 May 2012
Plugging Operation Begins On North Sea Gas Leak
Almost 8 weeks since it was first discovered oil company Total will today start pumping heavy mud down its leaking well in the North Sea in an attempt to stop the ongoing gas leak.
Plugging Operation Begins On North Sea Gas Leak
Almost 8 weeks since it was first discovered oil company Total will today start pumping heavy mud down its leaking well in the North Sea in an attempt to stop the ongoing gas leak.
09 July 2012
Second Suspected Chemical Leak At Colchester Council Building
A council building has been evacuated for the second time in 10 days following a suspected chemical leak. Essex fire crews were called back to the county council's Essex House building in The Crescent, Colchester, after around 12 people were taken ill. Crews are giving first aid to those affected.
Second Suspected Chemical Leak At Colchester Council Building
A council building has been evacuated for the second time in 10 days following a suspected chemical leak. Essex fire crews were called back to the county council's Essex House building in The Crescent, Colchester, after around 12 people were taken ill. Crews are giving first aid to those affected.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
