Soddim,
How very tactfully put, but maybe a tad too subtle - of course this is a sad ruse to say in 5 to 10 years time:
' Sir, sir, sir please sir - we dont need aircraft carriers sir'
No but yes but no but sir, listen sir - we haven't needed it for the past 10 years sir since those old Harrier flying machines help pay off your Northern Rock debt sir'
Well sir, lets use that carrier money when you chop it sir for some hospitals or schools or something else that you may want sir'
What a brilliant idea sir, you are clever - absolutely, yes of course the carriers aren't required sir, and no sir, of course we will not let you down and we can truly go anywhere at anytime - short runways, long runways, short distances, long distances, of course sir.
Thank you sir, I knew that you would understand, a tough decision I know sir, but you have made the right one.....
Just sign here sir and I will make it all go away for you.