Councillor Brian Wilkinson, Hacker and others in “The Middle-Class Rip-Off”

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!

Well, why didn't you find out until now?

Hacker

Well, um--

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.

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...

Hacker

...concentrate on the legal obstacles to the sale of the art gallery.

[in a less confrontational tone] Tricky things, legal obstacles.

Sir Humphrey

And this is a particularly tricky one.

And at the end of the day, you might still fail.

Hacker

Every possibility.

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.

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?

Of course we will!

Ah, carry on with the good work, eh?

Sir Humphrey

Oh, Minister...a work of art.