41.   A BILL allowing Thai companies to buy and sell derivatives to hedge their business risks came a step closer to reality after the Cabinet approved the draft legislation Tuesday.

42.   Abortion opponents condemned the draft legislation, which is likely to come to an emotionally volatile vote early next year.

43.   Amidst growing public criticism of widespread post-communist corruption, Parliament on Tuesday approved draft legislation committing senior government officials to declare incomes and assets.

44.   At the time, the draft legislation was seen as aimed at controlling scandal sheets that specialize in digging political dirt.

45.   Attorneys for the northeast province submitted draft legislation to the Ministry of Justice Tuesday that would specifically prohibit child pornography over the Internet.

46.   Blunkett did not say which parts of that document would be included in the draft legislation.

47.   Blunkett said another government policy document, known as a white paper, will be published in the fall, followed by draft legislation to be put before Parliament.

48.   Bulgaria has prepared draft legislation on opening the files of the former secret police, a move that has divided public opinion, media reported Tuesday.

49.   But on both occasions, the draft legislation was quietly shelved following outcry from major media owners, advertising companies and media advocacy groups.

50.   Crimes covered by the draft legislation include high treason, mutiny, armed rebellion and conspiring against the state.