This gap has now been filled. A programme of activities to make full use of the new facilities was launched on November 1st with a power lunch on health policy. Some final carpentry, double glazing, and blinds remain to be installed, but the new facility is off and running, and already adding a useful extension to the ASI's range of activities. ASI personnel in the new boardroom. From left, Robert Fike, Brenda Smith, Mark Fell, Steve Bettison, Alex Singleton.
Mezzanines do seem to be in fashion.
While the ASI was building its own, several other think tanks have moved during the course of the year into a new address at The Mezzanine Floor, Elizabeth House. The ASI's publication Facing the Future, by Madsen Pirie and Robert Worcester, was based on a MORI poll about how the British face the unfolding century. It was the 4th in the ASI series, and received extensive coverage, featuring in the Times, Telegraph, Financial Times, Mail and Express, plus the regional and electronic media, and the magazines. This was remarkable, coming out as it did in the week of the fuel crisis. The survey found that Britain is optimistic about the future, but less so about Britain's role in it.