Chemical Customs

Picture the scene. A long wooden trestle table dotted with half-empty cans of shaving cream, tubes of toothpaste in stained plastic bags and a rather spurious looking tub of Vaseline. The closing minutes of a jumble sale? No. This was the approach to passport control at Heathrow's terminal three last night.

Sharp objects are one thing. But when you find yourself screened for toothpaste and moisturiser, its time to wonder what price one has to pay to feel safe in the 21st century.

The answer? A few more quid at Boots once you hit duty-free, obviously.