61.   And his aides have told lawmakers that rates have to rise.

62.   And the jobless rate has stopped hitting record highs every month.

63.   And as a result, room rates have came under pressure.

64.   But the IMF warned rates may have to go up again.

65.   Economists have questioned what impact the lower rates will have, noting that two previous rate reductions failed to produce a significant rise in consumption.

66.   He has argued that such high rates have discouraged investment.

67.   Lately, the service has taken issue with assertions that the declining infant mortality rate has something to do with the closing of nuclear power plants.

68.   MEA Governor Boonsom Khaosam-ang said electricity rates would have to be increased by eight per cent in March regardless of whether the tunnel project was implemented.

69.   Moi said the growth rate had to reach at least seven percent to provide jobs for the thousands who graduate from high school and university each year.

70.   Rising rates have increased returns on interest-bearing investments, making holdings like government bonds more appealing.