Intersection theorems with geometric consequences

In this paper we prove that ifℱ is a family ofk-subsets of ann-set, μ₀, μ₁, ..., μ_s are distinct residues modp (p is a prime) such thatk ≡ μ₀ (modp) and forF ≠ F′ ≠ℱ we have |F ∩F′| ≡ μ_i (modp) for somei, 1 ≦i≦s, then |ℱ|≦( _s ⁿ ). As a consequence we show that ifR ⁿ is covered bym sets withm<(1+o(1)) (1.2) ⁿ then there is one set within which all the distances are realised. It is left open whether the same conclusion holds for compositep.