A row over creative accounting as talks on Germany's next government enter their final stages

Last minute talks are taking place between Germany's Free Democrats and the Conservatives to finalize a coalition agreement. Taxation policy is still the biggest hurdle. Chancellor Merkel's conservatives are saying no to the Free Democrats proposed tax cuts. Now there are accussations the government is practising "creative accounting" .....effectively removing some borrowing costs from it books. Extra debt will be listed as part of special funds which will not appear in the budget.