Observers then wondered if Tory Party chairman Michael Ancram decided something had gone dreadfully wrong because it was just at this point that he announced things ought to come to a close as the luncheon hour was upon them.

BBC: Battle for sterling won in 10 minutes

What we have come to expect from a national health service, free at the point of delivery, he argued, just can't be delivered.

BBC: You can't have it both ways...