A SYSTEM for heading off disputes between the Government and the new Scottish Parliament will be unveiled today by Gordon Brown, the Chancellor.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE are determined to get to the bottom of reports questioning the legality of Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action. Accusations that the county's major signing is a "chucker" have cast a cloud over the Pakistani bowler.

DR HAROLD Shipman yesterday told his trial of a decision not to resuscitate one of the 15 women he is accused of killing when he found that she had collapsed in her home.

GREG CHAPPELL will make an announcement in the next few days on whether he will accept an offer to coach Glamorgan. The former Australian captain said he had an idea of his answer but would not be in a position to give a formal response until next week because of personal business interests.

KEVIN REID, son of John Reid, Secretary of State for Scotland, has resigned from Beattie Media, the public relations firm alleged to have sought undue influence over Scottish government ministers.

THE SCOTTISH Parliament is investigating allegations that lobbyists have been offering access to Scottish ministers in exchange for cash.

WRITING THE leader's speech for conference was once described by Neil Kinnock as "Purgatory".

ALEX SALMOND, leader of the Scottish National Party, predicted yesterday that Scotland will be independent within eight years.

TORRENTIAL RAIN caused the abandonment of yesterday's meeting at Goodwood with two races to run. A 7.30am inspection will determine whether today's card can take place.

THE REHABILITATION of John Reid will be completed this week when the jockey signs a contract to ride for Maktoum Al Maktoum, the oldest member of the most powerful family in racing.

Doncaster St Leger Meeting: A trainer seeking to complete his Classic collection this week returns to winning ways

TONY BLAIR threw his weight behind the Labour by-election campaign in Hamilton South with a visit to the constituency yesterday.

JOHN REID will replace the suspended Kieren Fallon on Iscan in the St Leger a week on Saturday. Fallon, successful in three of the four Classics run so far this season and due to partner the Michael Stoute- trained colt, was ruled out of the final three days of the Doncaster meeting after receiving a five-day ban for careless riding at Ripon on Tuesday.

THE MINISTRY of Defence is set to defy Labour MPs by keeping a ban on homosexuals in the armed forces until after the next general election.