Clocking off

Shocking news emerged recently that English law is being enforced by a bunch of Luddites.

The Metropolitan Police spent an eye-watering £95,000 on calling directory enquiries in 2010/11, and a mind-boggling £17,000 dialling the speaking clock. Although it's perhaps worth noting these figures have been reduced from £121,000 and £18,000, respectively, in the prior year.

Clearly, bobbies are not down with the whole mobile computing business, with a Met spokesman telling the BBC: "It must be remembered that a huge number of our officers and staff will not have direct access to the internet as they are not office-based."

I guess they also leave clocks, watches and sundials in the office. And any members of the public who could give them the time.