Instead, ministers launched a consultation process with interested parties in 2004, which found that 98.5 per cent of responses were in favour of statutory regulation.

And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

A recent Jiji news agency poll found just 21 per cent in favour of going ahead as planned, with 39 per cent saying the increase should be postponed and 38 per cent opposing the move outright.