Equality watchdog checks BBC shows

Primetime BBC shows such as EastEnders and the 10 O’Clock News may be ordered by the equality watchdog to introduce more black and Asian faces. Editorial content has traditionally been exempt from rules on race, gender and disability, but the Equality and Human Rights Commission is to invoke new powers and begin a formal assessment within days to decide which BBC activities should fall under its remit.

Five high-speed rail lines planned

Five high-speed main lines crossing the length and breadth of the UK may be built as part of a review of the rail network, according to Network Rail. The network operator will announce tomorrow that it is to commission a study into what could be the largest track-building programme since the 19th century. The study will consider laying new lines alongside five of the busiest routes by 2025.

Inquiry into donations to top Tory

Donations to the private office of Liam Fox, the Conservative defence spokesman, are being examined by the Electoral Commission over claims that he failed to register large sums from leading City figures. The Tories insisted that any breach of the rules had been purely “technical”.

NHS gives food to smokers who quit

Smokers in Dundee are being offered £150 worth of groceries by the NHS if they quit cigarettes. They will be given the cash under a 12-week scheme if a carbon monoxide breath test proves that they have not been smoking.

Christopher Tolkien

In our report of the litigation between the Tolkien family and New Line Cinema, producers of The Lord of the Rings (May 25), we did not make it clear that Christopher Tolkien is suing as a trustee of the Tolkien Trust, a registered charity, and the JRR Tolkien 1967 Discretionary Settlement. It was another member of the family who referred to the action as “one last crusade”, not Mr Tolkien, and the hearing on June 6 was to fix a date for the eventual trial, not actually to halt Hollywood plans to film The Hobbit. We apologise to the trustees and Mr Tolkien for these errors.

Rollover Jackpot tops £7.8m for Lotto

Last night’s winning national Lotto numbers
8 9 11 16 18 22 Bonus: 36

Last night’s Thunderball game
7 8 10 13 31 Thunderball: 12

Last night’s Dream Number game
4 9 3 8 3 1 8

Friday night’s EuroMillions game
8 11 36 37 45 Lucky stars: 3 5

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