Unlike many similar discounts which sprang up after Abbey National had made its move, this one is for an indefinite period.

"Medicare should use the best techniques of the private sector and should extract similar discounts from the pharmaceutical industry."

Many hotels offer weekend packages discounted up to 50 percent, while resorts often offer similar discounts in the off season.

And in fact, the Soros fund for British real estate is trading at a similar discount.

If they retained their discounts, Medicaid would be entitled to similar discounts on certain drugs for at least a few months.

The Fed said it would consider in January a proposed regulation to permit all banks to offer similar discounts.

If goods are offered in a catalogue sent to those in the trade, a similar discount will be given.

Virgin Blue bookings can be made online (with similar discounts) at www.virginblue.com.or (61-7) 3295-2296.

Studies based on the prices paid for options have also confirmed similar discounts.

There is concern that the federal government might demand similar discounts for the Medicaid program.