Eurocrats decide cameras are video recorders

The change will mean that digital cameras will be hit with an import tax of at least five per cent - rising to 12.5 per cent if they can record from external sources.

And, since no-one makes digital cameras in Europe, the price of pretty much all of them - since most are capable of snatching at least a few consecutive video frames - could be set to rise.

Camera buffs reckon the Eurocrats are barking up the wrong tree and argue that multi-function devices should - under the current regulations - be classified by their primary function.

But the unelected law makers will be salivating over the extra revenues they can then squander on keeping French farmers in Cognac and cheese. µ