Yes Minister

A newly built hospital has a full administrative staff but no patients due to a government imposed reduction in the recruitment of medical staff. For some reason, Sir Humphrey does not want this particular boat rocked. He explains that they should measure success by activity, not by results.

At the Ministry the conflicts of interest continue when the Minister is asked to approve the departmental recommendations for the honours list, and Sir Humphrey tackles government policy on the tuition fees of overseas students. Maybe a boozy dinner will help Jim come to a decision about what he should do.

The Minister is shocked to learn that his department is responsible for supplying all the government's electronic surveillance gear. After all, his campaign was based in part on his opposition to bugging and phone tapping. Jim is later shocked to hear his name is on the International Freedom Army death list.

The British Chemical Corporation, with the backing of Sir Humphrey, intend to produce a dangerous chemical at their Merseyside factory. When the people protest Jim must arrive at an appropriate compromise. Can he find a way to get round Sir Humphrey?

The Minister is upset at rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle. Jim considers a move to work in Europe, something he previously considered nothing more than a gravy train. Sir Humphrey is equally worried because if the Minister should go, there might be a move to have the Permanent Secretary replaced.

The Minister is having a particularly good day and even enjoys media coverage from the BBC on a trip to a children's city farm. However, one must never underestimate the manipulative skill of Sir Humphrey. The key to getting a Minister's signature on an order is to catch him when he's in a hurry.

The conflict between politicians and civil servants takes centre stage when the Minister and Sir Humphrey appear before a select committee scrutinizing the functions of the Department of Administrative Affairs. The Prime Minister wants budget cuts, but Sir Humphrey is against them. Where do Jim's loyalties lie?