"Minister, what shall we say about our reasons for going to war?"
"We'll say that was all covered by Hutton."
"But, Minister, Hutton says the reasons for going to war weren't part of his remit."
"Well, exactly, and he's a very honourable man, so if he says he shouldn't discuss the reasons, neither should we."
"But, Minister, I think the party will want an inquiry."
"Fine, but make sure it's chaired by an honourable man."
"What should be its remit?"
"That it doesn't dwell on the past."
"Minister, why not?"
"The past was covered by Hutton."
"But, Minister, you've just accepted that Hutton decided not to cover all of the past."
"Precisely! He covered all of it and came up with the conclusion that not all of it should be covered. And, if I may say, he did a pretty thorough job of not covering all of it. So thorough, in fact, there's no need to do it again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Minister."