Studies have shown that chronic lateness has cost countries such as Ecuador billions per year.

BBC: Are the Swiss really that efficient?

The reasons for the U.K.'s lateness to implement this new technology are many, including significant technical obstacles.

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The reason for the lateness, of course, is that Tom has been working on this all day.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

But the product, which will be sold in a package with a satellite receiver, suffers from the common Microsoft problem: lateness.

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Of these, the most common is withdrawal (absence, lateness, taking long breaks) says the University of South Florida's Paul Spector.

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Indeed, given the lateness of the hour, the audience questions only served to delay the livelier exchanges which were broadcast near midnight.

BBC: NI election Leaders Debate: last word from party heads

This assistance is targeted to avoid the crisis from escalating in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia where the lateness and insufficiency of rains are expected to have a significant negative impact on crop production.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

No-one connected to the show has commented, but the venue apologised for the late start via its Twitter feed saying: "Justin Bieber is now on stage and apologises for the lateness of his show".

BBC: Anger as Justin Bieber late for London O2 gig

And is it time for the President, given the lateness of the hour, to say something about what he would be willing to accept, perhaps not including a tax on carbon -- a price on carbon?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Sorry for my lateness.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing