The numbers also raised fears that draconian cuts, including reductions in public sector wages, were weakening the economy and exacerbating the country's deficit crisis.

But 'there are draconian cuts around the corner'.

We should not allow myths about housing benefit and the people who claim it to create the backdrop for draconian cuts.

To meet promises of draconian cuts in emissions, promises that seem increasingly unlikely to be kept, this and future governments will have to subsidise wind and solar power.

The money was to come from a combination of draconian cuts over the previous two years, tough bargaining with industry and a one per cent increase in the equipment budget.