The Senate's criticism of Bill Clinton's last minute granting of a pardon to fugitive Marc Rich does not stop its members indulging in a little sleight of hand of their own. Tucked into an entirely unrelated bill on bankruptcy is a clause giving some 200 former American 'names' at Lloyd's of London a second chance to dodge paying their share of the insurance bills.

It would surprise no one if some of the losers were rich Republicans from the Texas homeland of Dubya. A vote is due soon. The clause would give the US names the right to use the US courts to press their case that Lloyd's failed to disclose the huge risks from the asbestos claims that almost sank the insurance market.