21.   The EOC said last month that, if the case was won, the traditionally male preserve of professional boxing would be open to all suitably qualified women.

22.   Until then, the average British pub had been an almost exclusive male preserve.

23.   Annan said portfolios like finance, trade, defence and foreign affairs were male preserves.

24.   Sporting excellence is not a male preserve and an unprecedented number of women will prove the fact at the Olympic Games here.