The Benefits of Lie Detectors!

Lie detectors will be used to help root out benefit cheats, Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton has said. Should make some nervous types worried, though. Just think, you're out of work, feeling down, and some heavyweight clerk leans over the desk. What if you fail? Any redress? It will be tested on housing and council tax benefit claims first, before being rolled out to job centres later in the year. Announcing the pilot, Mr Hutton said, "This technology aims to tackle fraudsters while speeding up claims and improving customer service for the honest majority." So another faultless machine brought to us by the wonders of New Labour!

Now then, has he thought of its benefits elsewhere? What about at Prime Minister's Questions? Up gets the PM. First question, "Has the PM done a deal with Iran?" Machine splutters. "Has the PM ever told a lie to the House, such as there being WMD and a 45-minute strike danger from Iraq?" Machine blows up - Speaker suspends sitting.

Well, if we are going to get lie detectors let's all have them, or are some people going to be allowed to carry on telling porkies?

Posted in: Blair,Iraq,John Hutton,WMD