The spirit of Douglas Adams enters the Big Tent

Jacqui Smith has announced that the pre-charge detention period for terrorism suspects is to be raised to 78, no, 56 ... er, doesn't sound quite right, no wait - 42 days. Definitely 42 is the number the Home Office is going for. Sound.

Fraser Nelson asks the question: why the chuff 42 over any other arbitrary number? It's clear, innit?

The answer to life, the universe, and everything is 42 - the number has mystical significance. And it's a lottery-ticket staple for Jacqui, natch. Well, it's as good a reason as any, we suppose.

Don't panic!