AFTER consummate performances by Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell before the Hutton Inquiry, Downing Street looked on course to escape the examination surrounding the death of Dr David Kelly with its integrity pretty much intact.

However, the evidence presented yesterday by intelligence officials cast serious doubt over their version of events.

One official talked about key parts of the document being 'over-egged'. Another spoke of political interference and the role of Government 'spin doctors' in the compilation of the final report.

Their evidence gives credence to the BBC report by Andrew Gilligan, contested vehemently by Downing Street, which started the chain of events which led to Dr Kelly's death.

For 'over-egged' it is possible to substitute 'sexed up'.

Aside from what Dr Kelly may or may not have told Andrew Gilligan, it is clear that there were reservations about aspects of the dossier presented by the Government.

And if Dr Kelly had expressed scepticism about Iraq's ability to deploy weapons within 45 minutes, then he was not a lone voice among intelligence staff.

It is also clear that Downing Street interfered in the drafting of the dossier and, for whatever reason, chose not to follow normal procedures in examining legitimate reservations expressed about the intelligence material on which the dossier was based.

The Government's presentation of intelligence ahead of the war against Iraq is now looking increasingly discredited.

And with the Prime Minister content to take ultimate responsibility for Downing Street's handling of the Kelly affair, Mr Blair is now unlikely to escape unscathed when Lord Hutton delivers his verdict.

Speedy redress

NO one disputes the role speed cameras play in improving safety on our roads.

There is a perception, however, that the main purpose of the cameras is to raise income, rather than raise road safety.

There is an onus on the police to set about restoring the credibility of the system.

They can begin that by ensuring that their own officers are no longer allowed to used loopholes in the law to escape the punishment meted out to other motorists.