A delegation from AMAL, the association of Algarve mayors, finally is to meet Health Minister Paulo Macedo in Lisbon.

The delegation comprising José Amarelinho, Jorge Botelho, Rui André, Francisco Amaral and Rogério Bacalhau have been trying to get an appointment for over two weeks and are able to see the Minister tomorrow to put forward the unanimous opinions of AMAL for greater investment in healthcare provision in the Algarve region and an end to the current management failures.

Instead of continuing as a country that exports medium and low-tech products from the agricultural sector, Portugal has to export products of medium and high technology.

Cavaco Silva was opening the new headquarters of pharmaceutical company Novartis in Oeiras and said that investment in innovation and development is "crucial" for the country's future because innovation is the key factor for competitiveness.

In a surprising outburst Pedro Passos Coelho blamed Christie's the auctioneers for the problems and illegalities surrounding the export of the Miró art collection for sale in London.

Christie's "was put in charge of dealing with everything" said Passos Coelho, adding that this was supposed to be a start to finish process, "It is clear that the company is responsible for the problems in the export process for the works of art.”

Air passengers in the European Union are to see their rights given more force as the European Parliament backed a bill on its first reading.

The bill will give travellers better rights to information, care and re-routing when they become stuck at an airport. It also enhances complaint procedures and enforcement measures.

The United Kingdom has been gradually sliding down the scale for economic and social development.

Outpacing the UK are not only many of its advanced European neighbours, but also a number of emerging market economies.

Apprenticeships in the UK are being hotly pursued by young people eager to earn while they learn.

Online applications have raced to nearly half a million over three months, a 43% annual jump, according to the Apprenticeship Index.

On Tuesday afternoon in Tavira the police nabbed three drug traffickers who were about to transfer 800 kilos of hashish from a boat to a lorry in a nearby warehouse.

The Judicial Police commented that, after examining the boat "it contained hidden inside the hull about 800 kg of hashish." The drugs had been inserted through a small trapdoor which had been sealed with silicone.

A debate on the hot topic of motorcaravanning drew over 200 people to Castro Marim, including residents, motorcaravanners and buisness owners last Saturday.

"We want a debate involving everyone where we can discuss constructively motorcaravanning as an important economic activity for the county. The issues include the lack of parks and we need to find a model for managing this type of tourism," said Francisco Amaral, president of the Council.