Mr. Straw said the family's claim for compensation would be handled "sympathetically and quickly."

"Life would be very boring if friends always agreed," Mr. Straw said.

I hope Mr. Straw decides to allow me to do that.

Mr. Straw changed the agency's approach to consumer research, bringing in researchers to work with the creative department from the start of an assignment.

"This episode has been of very great embarrassment to the government," Mr. Straw said.

Mr. Straw agreed but said the restrictions should not stand in the way of improving security.

Mr. Straw, according to earlier testimony by a medical examiner, was 5 feet 9 inches and 136 pounds at the time of his death.

Mr. Straw also said that "there has to be a consensus" because the need for action was clear.

Mr. Straw admits progress, but said that "more needs to be done."

Mr. Straw also has a bill to deprive many criminal defendants of the right to trial by jury.