He retells the story of a British Foreign Office applicant being asked to name the two most important things in the world.

ECONOMIST: Where the power lies in Britain

The council must also inform the police and the "applicant's security adviser" of the name of anyone asking to see them.

BBC: William and Kate: 'Royal house' plan viewers face vetting

" One applicant "had her name printed on golf balls that got into the hands of executives who were hiring.

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