11.   A COUNCIL leader has defended the decision to snub a delegation from the South African government visiting the NorthEast.

12.   DARLINGTON Transport Company Ltd has defended a decision to allow Labour advertising on its buses in the run-up to the General Election.

13.   Defending his decision to meet with the South African delegation he said the conversation had dwelt on the future and potential business investment in the country.

14.   Grampian Enterprise defended the decision not to renew funding, insisting the help and advice on offer to ex-servicemen would not be undermined.

15.   The minister also defended the decision not to use secondary teachers.

16.   The collision comes at a difficult time for Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who is defending a decision to impose presidential rule in parliament and in the Constitutional Court.

17.   Although Astacio had allowed just two hits in the game, Lasorda defended his decision to pull the starter.

18.   And he defended the decision by the Department of Family and Children Services to close the case.

19.   And Leonard Ferro is the gruff coach who is forever having to defend his decisions to the general manager.

20.   And she again defended her decision to leave the campaign finance investigation in the hands of officials in the Justice Department she heads.