Steel boss fabricates a nice little story

No doubt about it, David Bingham, the newly elected president of the British Constructional Steelwork Association, is blessed with versatility. The managing director of Caunton Engineering in Nottingham has, in earlier days, tried his hand at both bartending and selling double glazing. At his inaugural speech the other day he recalled telephoning a 'hot contact' and found himself speaking to a whispering youngster.

'Could I speak to your Dad please?'

'No, he's busy.'

'Could I speak to your Mum please?'

'No, she's busy.'

Lengthy pause.

'There's a fireman here.'

'Could I speak to him then?'

'No, he's busy.'

Longer pause. Finally, the youngster pipes up again.

'There's a policeman here.'

'Could I speak to him, then?'

'No, he's busy too.'

'Is there anyone at all I could speak to?'

'No.'

'Why not?'

'They're all too busy looking for me.'

It should prove to be good experience, David - negotiations with Department of Trade mandarins to cut out cheap subsidied steel imports will prove just as difficult.