Today - 20/10/2008

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Nick Hood of corporate rescue specialist Begbies Traynor claims that the UK economy is already in recession. Matt Mills, a scout leader from Essex, discusses The Scout Association's new sex education fact sheet. Biologist and author Professor Brian Ford explains his belief that there is intelligence in single cells. Transport minister Paul Clark and Liz Sayce of Radar discuss the misuse of disabled parking badges. Steve Kingstone reports on a Spanish judge's investigation into what he says were 'crimes against humanity' during the Spanish Civil War. Alex Bushill finds out why eviction rates in the south west of England are double the national average. Thought for the Day with Canon Dr Alan Billings, an Anglican priest. Emily Walker of Republicans Abroad comments on Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama. David Cameron is to call for a one pence cut in National Insurance to help small businesses. He says it would help to reduce unemployment by reducing the costs of employing people. Evan Davis reports on how the art world is coping with the current economic turmoil. Anaesthetist Sir Peter Simpson discusses the problem with diagnosing death. The government is promising to try to reduce the number of house repossessions. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Yvette Cooper says that banks should do more to help homeowners. Duncan Kennedy reports on the exhibition marking the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti. Historian Eric Hobsbawm discusses the current economic crisis and the problems with a free market economy. Professor David Jones of St Mary's University College, Twickenham says he wants to see further rights for disabled foetuses.