1970: Parkinson's Law of Delay

Stuart McLaren writes:  I've just come across this cartoon by Osbert Lancaster which references HMSO. It features on the dust jacket and inside a book by C. Northcote Parkinson (of "Parkinson's Law" fame) entitled The Law of Delay, which was published in 1970 by John Murray.

The cartoon illustrates what Parkinson defined as "Negation by Delay" (ND): "The theory of ND depends upon establishing a rough idea of what amount of delay will equal negation. If we suppose a drowning man will call for help, evoking the reply 'In due course', a judicious pause of five minutes may constitute for all practical purposes, a negative response."

Those waiting for the TSO Pension scheme to be wound up will appreciate the concept.

(From SM)

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