Today's papers

A SURVEY of 3,000 grassroots Tory party members demonstrates strong criticism of the behaviour of the Royal Family, reports the Sunday Times.

This is culled from a confidential report compiled in spring last year by the Conservative Political Centre. A copy has been sent to Mr Major and other ministers. The study shows that, while the Queen retained the strong affection of Tories, members of her family have tarnished their image by their conduct and the break-up of marriages.

The Mail on Sunday reports that one in three children watches sex and violence on television after the 9pm watershed and 500,000 stay up as late as 11.30pm, according to a new study. The newspaper says that ministers will study whether late night violence on television provokes criminal behaviour and may ask for tough guidelines.

Up to 20 Tory right-wing MPs are threatening to wreck John Major's Criminal Justice Bill if the gay age of consent is lowered to 16, claims the Sunday Express.

The Government's Chief Medical Officer is to announce an overhaul of cervical cancer screening after revelations that some doctors and nurses had no idea how to carry out smear tests, says the Observer. The Department of Health is to appoint a full-time national co-ordinator for the new programme, which will include refresher courses and extra training.

The departure of Anglicans for the Roman Catholic Church will gather pace as traditionalists react furiously to the two men chosen to be 'flying bishops' in the Church of England, reports the Sunday Telegraph. The men are not regarded as spokesmen for the traditionalist constituency and both are older than hoped, says the newspaper.

John Gummer, the Environment Secretary, has been accused of costing taxpayer pounds 1m a week by leaving government offices empty, says the Sunday Mirror.