Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
I can't believe this! You mean I've got to go and tell the people back home that you've gone back on your word? I mean, it was your own idea!
Hacker:
I mean, it's not me, it's the law!
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Well, why didn't you find out until now?
Hacker:
Well, um--
[Bernard coughs, attracting the Minister's attention, and keeps glancing at the paperwork for increased allowances for councillors, until Hacker finally gets the hint]
Hacker:
[taking the paperwork in hand] Let me be absolutely frank with you. The truth is, it would be possible to push this through. Just possible. But it would take an awful long time.
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Okay, take the time! We've spent enough!
Hacker:
Yes, but the trouble is, you see, something else would have to go by the board. And the thing that's taking my time at the moment is forcing through this increase in councillor's expenses and attendance allowances. You see, I can't put my personal weight behind both schemes. I suppose I could forget about the increased allowances for councillors...
[Wilkinson and his fellow councillors look at each other, alarmed]
Hacker:
...concentrate on the legal obstacles to the sale of the art gallery.
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
[in a less confrontational tone] Tricky things, legal obstacles.
Sir Humphrey:
And this is a particularly tricky one.
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
And at the end of the day, you might still fail.
Hacker:
Every possibility.
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Well, if that's the way it is... [turns to one of his fellow councillors] There is a chance that we might want to close Edgehill Road Primary at the end of the year. That site should fetch a couple of million, give or take.
[the councillors rise from their chairs]
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Well, there it is, then! No ill feelings, Jim! [shakes hands with the Minister]
Hacker:
Good! And you'll explain locally that we can't overcome the legal obstacles?
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Of course we will!
[Councillor Wilkinson points at the paperwork regarding increased allowances for councillors]
Councillor Brian Wilkinson:
Ah, carry on with the good work, eh?
[the councillors depart]
Sir Humphrey:
Oh, Minister...a work of art.
