31.   The reductions come amid a sustained period in which inflation has been virtually held at bay in the United States, reducing investment demand.

32.   The study said grape prices were historically unstable and any sustained period of downturn could see a number of over-extended small firms drop out of the business.

33.   The US, with the backdrop of low interest rates, has nurtured business and has had a sustained period of a strong economy since then.

34.   Belgium survived a sustained period of Japanese pressure at the end, including a skewed shot across goal, but the Europeans could also have grabbed victory.

35.   To do so requires a sustained period of high investment.

36.   While this in itself is unacceptable, the reports we have received indicated that this was not for sustained periods.