On 15 December 2010, Mr Paterson assured MPs that if Northern Ireland's security situation deteriorated, the UK government would be prepared to consider "going to the contingency reserve for extra funds".

BBC: Paterson welcomes Stormont draft budget

His party thirsts for more public spending, especially on health and education, as was shown by the exuberant reaction to the extra he conjured up for each of these out of the contingency reserve.

ECONOMIST: A disappointing start

In a December 6, 2007 letter to the Committee, we explained that the Department of Homeland Security, with the support of the General Services Administration, has already established a contingency contracting corps to provide a ready reserve of contracting officials for emergency situations.

WHITEHOUSE: Testimony of Paul A. Denett