Farm subsidies remained largely unchanged until passage of the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act, when Congress replaced target price-deficiency payments with declining fixed subsidies.

FORBES: It's Time To Kick Farmers Off The Federal Dole

Severn Trent says half of all leaks are fixed within the company's own three-day target.

BBC: Union attacks Severn Trent over water shortages

But with NTL due to change its name to Virgin Media next year, NTL also has UK commercial broadcaster ITV in its sights as a takeover target, part of its plans to offer television as well as broadband, fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services.

CNN: Branson, Murdoch square off in media war