The Blair hair row has meant the health of a public pate is no fringe issue. Terry Melia, outgoing chief inspector of the Further Education Funding Council, grasped the nettle when he helpfully pointed out his successor at the council's annual general meeting. The follically challenged Dr Melia told delegates: "He looks a bit like me, with about the same amount of hair - only what he has is still dark rather than white like mine. No doubt that will change after a time as chief inspector." All eyes will now be on successor Jim Donaldson.