The Prime Minister is being urged by senior ministers and advisers to hand over the Department of Health to the Lib Dems in what would be a bold political move.

In return, senior Tories are pressing for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) - currently run by Vince Cable - to be led by a Conservative. This would, they argue, prevent the coalition effectively running two differing economic strategies.

Mr Cable, however, would be highly unlikely to relinquish his business brief without a fight. A major government shake-up is fraught with difficulty for the Prime Minister as Nick Clegg, his Lib Dem deputy, would have to agree to any changes affecting ministers from his own party.

Some Lib Dems would be likely to urge Mr Clegg not to accept what might look like a prize in the shape of the health department - because Mr Lansleys successor would have such a tricky task bedding in the reforms to the NHS in England, which include a bigger role for private sector companies.

The Lib Dems might also try to save Mr Clarke, who unlike most of his party takes a pro-Brussels stance and has also been accused of attempting to scupper the Prime Ministers reform agenda over replacing the Human Rights Act with a new British Bill of Rights.

Mr Clarke has been dubbed, tongue in cheek, the sixth Lib Dem in the cabinet - after Mr Clegg, Mr Cable, Danny Alexander, the Treasury Chief Secretary, Ed Davey, the Energy Secretary, and Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary.

Up until now, the only Cabinet-level changes have solely affected one party. In May 2010, Mr Laws was replaced at the Treasury by Mr Alexander after facing censure over his taxpayer-funded expenses, while last month Chris Huhne quit as energy secretary to fight a charge of perverting the course of justice over a speeding offence. He was replaced by Mr Davey.

When Liam Fox quit as defence secretary last year in the wake of a row over his controversial links with his former adviser, Adam Werritty, his replacement was another Tory, Philip Hammond, in a move which saw Justine Greening enter the cabinet as Transport Secretary.

Many MPs on the Tory Right would like to see Mr Cameron use the opportunity to promote Chris Grayling into the cabinet. Mr Grayling, who is thought to be doing an effective job as employment minister, was shadow home secretary before the last general election.

Some Conservatives are privately encouraging the Prime Minister to replace Sayeeda Warsi as Tory chairman - possibly with Grant Shapps, currently the Housing Minister. However, they acknowledge that

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Health warning for Andrew Lansley as David Cameron plans early reshuffle

FORT WAYNE, IN--(Marketwire -03/16/12)- WaterFurnace International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial geothermal and water source heat pumps, introduces the 5 Series 502W12 high temperature hydronic heat pump.

Capable of 150F water output, the 5 Series 502W12 makes upgrading to a WaterFurnace geothermal system easy, particularly where the replacement system must work with existing cast iron or baseboard radiators. In a building with a radiant floor heating system, the unit's higher water temperature means the 502W12 can be installed between joists under the floor, removing the need to alter existing flooring.

The 502W12 uses two high-efficiency Copeland Scroll compressors for reliable, low-cost operation. Compressor blankets, double-isolation mounting plates and a discharge muffler ensure a quiet system. In addition, two brazed plate heat exchangers provide increased efficiency, performance and reliability. Smaller than traditional coaxial exchangers, they allow the 502W12 to provide high-capacity performance in a compact unit.

The 5 Series 502W12 includes these other design components:

The 5 Series 502W12 cabinet comes standard with a professional grade finish for long-lasting beauty and protection. The system is fully insulated for quiet operation with cleanable, foil-backed insulation. In addition, the cabinet is designed so waterlines can face either the front or back for installation flexibility. Optional factory-installed, top-mounted waterline connections allow the system to fit seamlessly into any installation.

In addition, the 5 Series 502W12 exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements and qualifies for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

To learn more, visit the WaterFurnace website at http://www.waterfurnace.com.

WaterFurnace International, Inc.WaterFurnace International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps. Products from WaterFurnace include energy-efficient and environmentally friendly geothermal comfort systems, indoor air quality products and pool heaters. WaterFurnace (TSX: WFI.TO - News) was founded in 1983, and the company is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind. For the latest news and updates from WaterFurnace, connect with us on your favorite social media sites -- follow us on Twitter (@WaterFurnace), like us on Facebook or view the WaterFurnace YouTube Channel.

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WaterFurnace International, Inc. - http://www.waterfurnace.com/

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WaterFurnace Introduces 5 Series High Temperature Hydronic Heat Pump

The Government is currently formulating a strategy for the replacement of the current bus fleet with more environmentally-friendly vehicles.

This study is currently in its early stages and the Government will announce its program when it is in a position to do so, said minister Neil Costa to question from S.M. Figueras.

Further to questions from D.J. Bossino, minister Costa added:

I can confirm that free bus travel will be exclusively available to residents of Gibraltar and those holding Gibraltar ID card holders other than non-resident workers on all bus routes operated by the Gibraltar Bus Company Limited with the exception of Route 5.

The Government took the decision to make free bus travel exclusively available to residents of Gibraltar and those holding Gibraltar ID card holders and non-resident workers on all bus routes operated by the Gibraltar Bus Company Limited with the exception of Route 5 at the meeting of cabinet held on 13 February 2012. The Gibraltar Bus Company Limited will only issue the bus card to those applicants that the Department of Social Security confirms to the company are completely up to date with their Social Insurance Contributions. The Cabinet agreed not to make the announcement as to the position of non-resident workers until the Chief Minister had met the Mayor of La Linea, who he was scheduled to meet some 10 days later.

Consequently, at the meeting held on 24th February 2012 between the Chief Minister and the Mayor of La Linea, the Chief Minister informed the Mayor that in keeping with the positive relations between Gibraltar and La Linea that the Government is keen to promote, the Government had decided to extend this service to cross-frontier workers on production of proof that they have a valid contract of employment registered with the ETB and that their payments in respect of Social Security are up to date. This will also serve to ensure that cross frontier workers should further appreciate the advantages of registering their employment in Gibraltar.

16-03-12

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Changes to bus service

"Yes, I have written to the prime minister seeking his replacement with Mukul Roy, another union minister," Banerjee told PTI.

In fact, Mukul Roy would be replying to the railway budgetary demands for grants before this month-end, highly placed TMC sources said.

Mamata's decision created an unprecedented situation in the country's parliamentary history when a minister is sought to be removed even before the budget presented by him has been discussed in Parliament. In addition, it puts Singh in a piquant situation, which is also unprecedented.

The government was thus faced with a war within which could have serious consequences on its stability.

Should Singh not follow Mamata's dictat, TMC, which is the second largest constituent with 19 MPs in Lok Sabha, may very likely pull out of the government which will increase its dependence on outside supporters like Samajwadi Party and BSP.

Mamata's brinkmanship also presents the prime minister with another acute embarrassment since he had praised Trivedi's budget earlier as "forward-looking".

There are deep concerns within the UPA about Mamata's behaviour which comes two days before the General Budget is to be presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday.

It is very likely that she may find fault with some of the proposals in the General Budget and create further trouble for the government.

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Mamata tells PM to sack Trivedi, Cong agrees to demand

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After being officially sworn into the Senate, former premier Bob Carr unleashed on the Opposition.

Remember the old days when cabinets were chosen from Parliament?

A big difference between government in Australia and America is the way a cabinet is chosen. The US president can choose from an unlimited pool: a Wall Street executive to become treasurer; a retired general to be secretary of state. Academics are often chosen to take senior cabinet positions. In Australia, the pool is more limited because cabinet is chosen from Parliament.

Well, that used to be the case until Julia Gillard reached outside the Commonwealth Parliament to appoint retired NSW premier Bob Carr as her foreign minister. Carr will have to enter Parliament to hold the office, but Labor has made ingenious use of the constitutional provisions that allow a political party to fill a casual vacancy in the Senate. From now on, the Prime Minister can choose any minister from outside Parliament so long as her political party can manufacture a Senate vacancy to accommodate the new entrant. The only limit is the number of senators willing to retire at the disposal of the party machine.

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There is nothing to prevent a treasurer being chosen from outside Parliament. True, treasurers have always been members of the House of Representatives, but there is nothing in the constitution that specifies this must be the case.

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Carr crash a new level of manipulation

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is still drafting the replacement of the two new security laws of the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA), said the Home Ministry.

I have not seen the final draft as it is still with the Attorney-General. It will be brought to the Cabinet first before it is tabled in Parliament, said its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in Parliament on Monday.

He also noted that the new laws will amendments in the length of detention, rights and treatment of detainees, rights of family members and the appeal process.

This will all be included in the new security laws, he said.

It had been reported that the Government would table two Bills to replace the ISA in this parliament sitting.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had given the assurance that the two new acts would provide a balance between promoting individual rights and civil liberties, as well as safeguarding public order.

The move, Najib had said, would allow Malaysia to practice a more progressive system of democracy and be respected by other countries.

He had added that the new laws would be drafted under the spirit and umbrella of Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to prevent subversive acts, planned violence and crime.

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Replacement laws for ISA won’t be tabled in this parliament session: Hisham

Umno president Najib Tun Razak said that Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's position in Umno was "not an issue" only her position in federal Cabinet is.

(FMT) - Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said the decision by Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to step down as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development is appropriate and correct.

He said the resignation was perceived as a sacrifice in the interest of the government and party.

Although there is no proof so far that she had committed any offence in terms of law, because the NFC issue has drawn controversy and dispute, she was willing to withdraw from the government, he told reporters before attending a tahlil prayer for the late Tun Abdul Razak at Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pekan, here today.

Shahrizat, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, announced her withdrawal as the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development when her tenure as Senator expires on April 8.

However, Shahrizat said she would remain as Wanita Umno head and Barisan Nasional (BN) Wanita head.

When asked of her status in the party, the Prime Minister said her position in the party was not an issue because it was different from her post in the cabinet.

This is because with regard to the NFC case, the debate was her position as a Minister in the cabinet, he said.

Najib also urged party members, especially Wanita Umno members, to continue supporting Shahrizat as the head of the Wanita movement.

Give her the support and cooperation because she (Shahrizat) has given her commitment to lead Wanita Umno and turn the movement into an important machinery for the general election, he said.

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Najib lauds Shahrizat’s ‘willingness’ to quit from govt

Date: Saturday Mar. 10, 2012 6:26 AM ET

OTTAWA National Defence was close to getting a green light from cabinet to buy new fixed-wing search-and-rescue planes three times since 2007, but the $3.1-billion plan has been shot down by objections from other departments, say senior defence sources.

Frustration among senior defence and military officials over the Conservative government's inability to move forward with the project to replace nearly 50-year-old C-115 Buffalos and three-decade-old C-130-H Hercules transports was palpable Friday.

Potential bidders were informed this week that a formal tender call has been put off until next year, raising questions about whether the continued delays could potentially cost lives.

The Buffalos reach their end of their service life in less than three years and face severe parts shortages.

Defence sources said Industry Canada has raised concern about the regional industrial benefits, and Public Works questioned the process for selecting the new search plane.

"It's been close three times, but it's been pulled back three times," said one senior official.

The program, originally announced by the Martin government, has been stuck for nearly a decade.

The Harper government had been hoping for an announcement this summer to highlight the plan. But information released Friday shows the project will still be deep in the consultation and discussion phase.

Public Works released a notice, asking prospective bidders to come forward with letters of interest and said that the first in a series on information workshops on the program will take place on April 11.

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Frustration mounts amid search plane replacement delays

OTTAWA - National Defence was close to getting a green light from cabinet to buy new fixed-wing search-and-rescue planes three times since 2007, but the $3.1-billion plan has been shot down by objections from other departments, say senior defence sources.

Frustration among senior defence and military officials over the Conservative government's inability to move forward with the project to replace nearly 50-year-old C-115 Buffalos and three-decade-old C-130-H Hercules transports was palpable Friday.

Potential bidders were informed this week that a formal tender call has been put off until next year, raising questions about whether the continued delays could potentially cost lives.

The Buffalos reach their end of their service life in less than three years and face severe parts shortages.

Defence sources said Industry Canada has raised concern about the regional industrial benefits, and Public Works questioned the process for selecting the new search plane.

"It's been close three times, but it's been pulled back three times," said one senior official.

The program, originally announced by the Martin government, has been stuck for nearly a decade.

The Harper government had been hoping for an announcement this summer to highlight the plan. But information released Friday shows the project will still be deep in the consultation and discussion phase.

Public Works released a notice, asking prospective bidders to come forward with letters of interest and said that the first in a series on information workshops on the program will take place on April 11.

Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, chief of the air staff, said in a recent interview with The Canadian Press that once formal proposals are received they'll face further review against the air force's "criteria for mission success."

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Search plane replacement vexes Tories, as more industry consultations announced

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Fitch Ratings affirms the 'A+' rating on the following Kentucky State Property and Buildings Commission (SPBC) revenue bonds as part of its continuous surveillance effort:

--$14.7 million in outstanding agency fund revenue bonds, project 91.

The Rating Outlook is Negative.

SECURITY

The project 91 bonds are special and limited obligations of the SPBC, payable solely from revenues derived under financing/lease agreements between the commission, as lessor, and the commonwealth's finance and administration cabinet and the Kentucky River Authority (authority), as lessee. In addition, the commonwealth's secretary of finance has covenanted to seek commonwealth general fund appropriations to replenish the debt service reserve in the event of a draw upon it.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

BONDS PAID BY KENTUCKY RIVER AUTHORITY: The rating, one notch below that of most of the commonwealth's appropriation debt, reflects the narrow source of pledged funds, which are derived from the revenues of the authority rather than the general fund. Fiscal 2011 revenues provided 1.3 times (x) coverage of maximum annual debt service (MADS).

MOST STATE DEBT IS APPROPRIATION BACKED: Kentucky has a well-established mechanism for lease financing, highlighted by automatically renewable leases and covenants to seek appropriation for debt service. The commonwealth's debt is primarily in the form of lease rental bonds, requiring appropriation, and appropriations debt is recognized and accepted as commonwealth debt obligations.

GENERAL FUND MORAL OBLIGATION: The commonwealth has covenanted to request general fund appropriations for replenishment of the reserve fund to its requirement of MADS upon a draw down, mitigating concerns about the narrow pledged revenue source.

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Fitch Affirms Kentucky SPBC's Project 91 Revenue Bonds at 'A+'