In a statement, Daniel Smith, one of the company's partners, said the Winterbourne View home had been immediately closed after the abuse was revealed, with the company "promptly undertaking a root and branch internal review of its operations".

BBC: Winterbourne View site

But following Fukushima, Mrs Merkel promptly scrapped her extension plan, and announced a review.

BBC: Germany: Nuclear power plants to close by 2022

Should the review team find that data collection is poor or that evidence is not passed on promptly, it may result in further action.

BBC: Review of breast implant safety

"Decisions about whether the House will seek to accept or promptly amend the measure will not be made until House members... have been able to review the legislation, " Mr Boehner and other House Republican leaders said in a statement.

BBC: US Senate passes 'fiscal cliff' deal to avoid tax rises