News In Brief

Irish Prime Minister John Bruton has insisted there was no need for Sinn Fein to receive clarification about talks on the future of Northern Ireland once the IRA had declared a new ceasefire. Mr Bruton, commenting on Sinn Fein's demands to join all-party talks, said "There is a place there for them. The truth of the matter is that they will be there if the IRA have a ceasefire - and they know that. It is absolutely clear, and there is no need for clarification that they will be in the talks."

A union has urged the Chancellor not to make a Budget tax change that might hit pension funds and employees' pay prospects. The Communication Workers' Union acted in response to speculation that Mr Brown could change the system of Advance Corporation Tax. Currently, tax-exempt investors such as pension funds and charities can reclaim pre-paid ACT on dividends they receive, thus boosting their income. If ACT and the accompanying tax credit were cut or scrapped, there is speculation that Mr Brown could change the system to encourage companies to pay out less in dividends and invest more instead - pension funds and others would lose income.