21.   The clearest threat to the loyalist cease-fire is the rise this year of the Loyalist Volunteer Force, which includes discontented members of the longer-established paramilitary groups.

22.   Attacks on police officers and police stations have been on the rise this year.

23.   Dymock had earlier said BHP expected a price rise this year and that the Japanese had indicated they would be prepared to consider a price increase.

24.   Employees in loss-making state industries will be excluded from wage rises this year, according to a report in the Correo de Manha newspaper.

25.   There has been no such rise this year, despite bitterly cold weather.

26.   Taking their cue from metalworkers who have been striking for more than a week, the chemical workers are asking for a six percent pay rise this year.

27.   The consumer electronics sector was more mixed, with Sony seeing a fall in net profit but it projected a tenfold rise this year.