【答案解析】[听力原文] 23-30 Peter: Right, let's get started. Now, you've all seen the budget proposals for next year. Have you got anything to say, John? John: Peter, I think the research figure is too low. We should increase it by at least 5%. Peter: Well, we could do that, but it means less money for the other departments. I think it should stay the same. Sally: I agree with John. We could reduce the figure for marketing -- that would allow us to increase the budget for research. Peter: I felt marketing needed a good figure this year. They've got a big launch mid-year. I think they couldn't manage with less. John: I'm sure they could and... Peter: Just a moment. Let's look at the other two department budgets. That's production and sales. John: Well, we can't cut the production budget, that's for sure. I don't know about sales. Sally: Why do you say we can't cut production's budget? They had a big investment last year. Well, surely they could manage on less this year? Peter: Yes, I think I agree. Production ought to manage with less this year, having spent so much last year. Sally: A small cut in the production budget might mean we could increase the research figure. Peter: Right, I'll put that to the Production Manager. Finally, what about sales? Sally: I think it's a bit high. They might save a bit by spending less on the after-sales side. Peter: John, any views? John: Well, I think we should spend more on sales. Peter: That's out of the question. The figure shouldn't be changed.