P.S. I notice that the US Embassy in the UK also uses a 900 number

Yeah, that's to get forms etc, but you can do a lot online at www.usembassy.org.uk, in fact there's nothing you really need to call them about, they have a huge amount of information reasonably well organised.

One point: Even if you have only been arrested for something (and not convicted or even charged) you MUST apply for a visa. I think many, many people are unaware of this and look at the form on the plane and think F**K! and tick the "no" box because it is obviously too late.

I have a caution (only for illegal firearms, lol!) and must apply for one but the offence is pretty minor and of a regulatory nature so I don't expect any trouble. My boss has a caution for fraud (and hence has been arrested) and when I asked him about the visa waiver form he nonchalantly said "oh yes, I ticked the no box for 'have you ever been arrested'". D'oh!

Gareth