OLYMPIC JUNKET

The British team in Beijing is just over 300 athletes. A figure dwarfed by those who are tagging along for the ride. The BBC are sending over 430 staff at a cost to the taxpayer of around £3 million. The London Development Agency are sending only 13 but again the cost is given as £3 million apparently because they have hired a private members club in the city for the duration. Then there are various government and local government contingents. And two police forces although I'm not clear why Dorset need an input; and the Met must have plenty of crimes to solve at home. I expect they'll all have a wonderful time.