______ that the pilot couldn't fly through it.

Some believe that in the age of identikit computer games, mass entertainment and conformity on the supermarket shelves, truly inspired thinking has gone out of the window. But, there are others who hold the view that there is still plenty of scope for innovation, lateral thought and creative solutions. Despite the standardization of modern life, there is an unabated appetite for great ideas, visionary thinking and inspired debate. In the first of a series of monthly debates on contemporary issues, we ask two original thinkers to discuss the nature of creativity. Here is the first one. YES. Absolutely. Since I started working as an inventor 10 or 12 years ago, I've seen a big change in attitudes to creativity and invention. Back then, there was hardly any support for inventors, apart from the national organisation the Institute of Patentees and Inventors. Today, there are lots of little inventors' clubs popping up all over the place, my last count was 19 nationally and growing. These nonprofit clubs, run by inventors for inventors, are an indication that people are once again interested in invention. I've been a project leader, a croupier, an IT consultant and I've written a motor manual. I spent my teens under a 1950s two tone Riley RME car, learning to put it together. Back in the Sixties, kids like me were always out doing things, making go-karts, riding bicycles or exploring. We learned to overcome challenges and solve problems. We weren't just sitting at a PlayStation, like many kids do today. But I think, and hope, things are shifting back. There's a lot more interest in design and creativity and such talents are getting a much higher profile in the media. It's evident with TV programmes such as Channel 4's Scrapheap Challenge or BBC2's The Apprentice and Dragon's Den, where people are given a task to solve or face the challenge of selling their idea to a panel. And, thankfully, the image of the mad scientist with electrified hair working in the garden shed is long gone—although, there are still a few exceptions! That's not to say there aren't problems. With the decline in manufacturing we are losing the ability to know how to make things. There's a real skills gap developing. In my opinion, the Government does little or nothing to help innovation at the lone-inventor or small or medium enterprise level. I would love to see more money spent on teaching our school kids how to be inventive. But, despite everything, if you have a good idea and real determination, you can still do very well. My own specialist area is packaging closures—almost every product needs it. I got the idea for Squeezeopen after looking at an old tin of boot polish when my mother complained she couldn't get the lid off. If you can do something cheaper, better, and you are 100 per cent committed, there is a chance it will be a success. I see a fantastic amount of innovation and opportunities out there. People don't realise how much is going on. New materials are coming out all the time and the space programme and scientific research are producing a variety of spin-offs. Innovation doesn't have to be high-tech: creativity and inventing is about finding the right solution to a problem, whatever it is. There's a lot of talent out there and, thankfully, some of the more progressive companies are suddenly realising they don't want to miss out—it's an exciting time. What is the debate concerned with?

It is believed that the authorities are thinking of ______ new taxes to raise extra revenue.

With prices ______ so much

To balance the budget and to provide jobs ______ two goals of the elected official.

The growth of part-time and flexible working patterns, and of training and retraining scheme, ______ more women to take advantage of employment opportunities.

Already the class is ______ about who our new teacher will be.

The Japanese scientists have found that scents ______ efficiency and reduce stress among office workers.

______ was not our concern.

Each workday

It is ______ that women should be paid less than men for doing the same kind of work.

All the data ______ once and again

If you ______, you suddenly shout something

Western Nebraska generally receives less snow than ______ Eastern Nebraska.

In social situations

The helicopter ______ a light plane and both pilots were killed.

We should ______ our energy and youth to the development of our country.

You and I could hardly understand, ______?

His successful negotiations with the Americans helped him to ______ his position in the government.

The actor amused the audience by ______ some well-known people.