In between lengthy discussions of regulation, consolidation and more regulation at Biba House, Backchat’s otherwise unflinching attention was diverted by a cunningly placed cuddly rodent.

Biba, in fact, is bristling with beavers. Attempts to steal the toys – playfully emblazoned with words like “nice” and “kinky” – were uncerem-oniously thwarted.

It is not the first time Biba has courted the saucy spotlight. Several years ago technical services chief Peter Staddon rose to Backchat fame for his alleged involvement with a mystery cartoon blonde.