Discussion: Paper 10

Mr Hookway

Good landscaping, design and management cost money. Recreational facilities cost money. But is there any authority or individual in the water systems of Britain at the moment who would choose to spend nothing on landscaping or recreation? What we are talking about is merely a matter of degree: how much, what proportion shall we spend? I do not know the answer. It is my job to persuade you to spend a bit more than you want to spend. But what of the body politic? What would they choose? Would they risk the apportionment of a further 1 or 2% on cost to make a more beautiful, more enjoyable Britain?