A simple algorithm for reform-minded ministers

A Samizdat commenter has a simple algorithm for reform-minded Ministers to follow:

1. Minister : “Am I required by law to do this ?” 

2a. Civil servant : “No, Minister”
3a. Minister : “OK then, don’t do it.”

2b. Civil servant “Yes, Minister.”
3b. Minister : “Have a draft law on my desk tomorrow morning which repeals whatever law obliges me to to do this. Let’s return to this in the morning.”

The government can then produce a monthly Repeals Potpourri Bill.