Petraeus provided no specifics on options under consideration, but said the process is approaching completion.

CNN: Obama seeks revisions to Afghanistan plans, sources say

Critics, including government ministers and MPs, became convinced the suggested move had been devised entirely for the convenience of the banks, with little or no consideration for the impact on people who still needed or wanted to use cheques.

BBC: Cheques: Payments Council to be curbed

While there is no legal limitation on a government during an election period the legal consideration is not the central consi deration.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Memo to Clinton-Arafat: Hold Everything

President Clinton is entitled to the same consideration and respect shown to President Nixon on that occasion -- no more and no less.

CNN: Transcript: Judiciary Committee impeachment hearing

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, who speaks for Labour on women's issues, said the statements by Mr Hunt "show the health secretary has given no serious consideration to women's health".

BBC: Abortion law: David Cameron has 'no plans' for new rules