KeepItRolling,
'All unimportant dear boy. The Minister has decreed, therefore it is our responsibility to act, Bernard.'
'But, Sir Humphrey, everyone knows this is madness.'
'Precisely, Bernard, but it is not our job to tell the Minister that he is mad. Maybe you would like to tell him yourself.'
'But, Sir Humphrey, what about the cost - there seems to be no tangible benefit when one compares the cost to the benefit.'
'Bernard, Bernard, Bernard, the cost is not an issue; after all, this is the public purse, and it is bottomless - the cost will be buried in the margins somewhere. Something like, oh let me see, "essential airspace reform for the public good," or something similar, should do it nicely. Don't forget, Bernard, that we have spent millions on airspace for no gain whatsoever, so what's a few million more to keep the Minister happy?'