The Middle-Class Rip-Off
Encyclopedia
"The Middle-Class Rip-Off" is the twenty-first episode of the BBC
comedy series Yes Minister
and was first broadcast 23 December 1982.
is in his constituency watching his local football
team, Aston Wanderers. After the match he goes for a drink in the boardroom. Two of the club's officials tell him of its financial difficulties: it will soon be calling in the receiver. They press him to try and assist them, pointing out the number of votes that may be in it. Despite his concern, he tells them that as a minister
he can't intervene in a local matter. However, one of the officials is chairman of the council's
Arts and Leisure Committee. He mentions that money is being spent on a nearby art gallery that is in a state of disrepair, and that they keep getting offers for the site. Hacker suggests they sell the art gallery and save the football club, which is feasible, subject to a planning inquiry. They go to visit the Corn Exchange Art Gallery, a Grade 2 listed building, which Hacker nevertheless describes as "hideous".
Back in London
, Sir Humphrey Appleby
, Hacker's Permanent Secretary
, has got wind of his plan and is taking an interest — despite it being a constituency matter. While he is in the Minister's office, awaiting his arrival, he discusses it with Bernard
. Sir Humphrey is passionately opposed to the idea of taking money from the arts and using it to subsidise a commercial operation such as a football club. The Minister arrives, and immediately senses that all is not well: he goes into a mild panic when Sir Humphrey announces that there is a reshuffle in the offing. However, this is to be a departmental reorganisation (a "real reshuffle"), possibly meaning extra responsibilities. Then he raises the issue of the Corn Exchange Art Gallery. With several weak arguments, Sir Humphrey seeks to convince Hacker not to proceed before finally telling him that it is a matter of principle. He once again explains his view, but Hacker can see no difference between art and football — except that a lot more people are interested in the latter. The Minister opines to Sir Humphrey that art is only subsidised for people like him: the educated middle classes, who enjoy theatre
, opera
and ballet
. Sir Humphrey counters that facilities such as the Royal Opera House
would not exist were it not for subsidy. Hacker regards this as a very good case in point, citing non-British productions, seats that the public can't afford or even book, and a gift of £9.5 million per year. Sir Humphrey has to leave early and can no longer continue with the "appalling discussion". He lets slip that he is actually going to a gala performance of The Flying Dutchman
in Covent Garden
along with other Permanent Secretaries (much to Hacker's glee). The Minister allows him to depart, not wishing to make him late for his "works' outing".
During the interval at the Royal Opera House, Sir Humphrey visits the bar and chats with Sir Ian Whitworth, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment
. Sir Humphrey wishes him to oversee the planning inquiry relating to Hacker's project and lay down some "informal guidelines". When Sir Ian asks why he wants it fixed, his colleague informs him and he is equally aghast at the proposal, which he sees as "simply subsidising self-indulgence."
The next day, Hacker is in his office with Bernard. The Principal Private Secretary
announces the Minister's forthcoming diary appointments, which comprise meetings with a number of public bodies to which Bernard refers as the "arts and architecture mafia", all of them opposed to the demolition of the art gallery. Sir Humphrey has asked them to visit, but Hacker is unconcerned, and is determined to support his "excellent scheme". Next, Bernard asks the Minister to approve a regulatory amendment that is couched in such oblique, cabbalistic civil service
language that Hacker calls it "piddling gobbledegook". It transpires that it will enable local councillors to claim a bigger allowance for attending council meetings. Bernard then tells Hacker of Sir Humphrey's talk with Sir Ian the previous evening, and warns him about the "guidelines" that will be laid down for the planning inquiry. Hacker believes all such inquiries to be impartial, but as Bernard remarks, "Railway trains are impartial too, but if you lay down the lines for them that's the way they go." The Minister protests and, after learning how planning inspectors are appointed, decides to lay down some guidelines himself.
At lunch, Sir Humphrey is at table with Sir Ian, along with Sir Arnold Robinson, the Cabinet Secretary
. It transpires that Hacker has indeed been busy and their chosen planning inspector has now been replaced. However, Sir Humphrey has an idea. If they add Minister for the Arts to Hacker's portfolio in the upcoming departmental reorganisation, he can hardly close down an art gallery as his first action.
Hacker is about to have a meeting with his constituency's councillors about the proposal, but Sir Humphrey is on his way. He bursts in to bring the Minister news of his new responsibilities, and Hacker is pleasantly surprised. However, he pauses for thought when Sir Humphrey reminds him of the implications regarding the football club. Hacker quickly concludes that the art gallery is worth saving after all, but the councillors are waiting outside. Bernard ushers them in and Hacker struggles to explain that he can no longer give his approval. The councillors are unimpressed and accuse him of going back on his word. However, Bernard saves the day by drawing the Minister's attention to the regulation he signed earlier regarding councillors' attendance allowances. Hacker tells them frankly that they must choose between one and the other. This now puts things in a different light, and the councillors come up with an alternative plan to raise the money by closing down a local school and selling the land, leaving the meeting happy at the outcome. After they leave, Sir Humphrey too makes his excuses: it is another gala performance. Now Hacker asks if he can come too, and the Permanent Secretary is delighted.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
comedy series Yes Minister
Yes Minister
Yes Minister is a satirical British sitcom written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn that was first transmitted by BBC Television between 1980–1982 and 1984, split over three seven-episode series. The sequel, Yes, Prime Minister, ran from 1986 to 1988. In total there were 38 episodes—of which all but...
and was first broadcast 23 December 1982.
Plot
Jim HackerJames Hacker
James George Hacker, Baron Hacker of Islington, KG, PC, B. Sc. , Hon. D. C. L. was a fictional British politician. He was the Minister of the fictional Department of Administrative Affairs, and later the Prime Minister, in the 1980s British sitcom Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister...
is in his constituency watching his local football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
team, Aston Wanderers. After the match he goes for a drink in the boardroom. Two of the club's officials tell him of its financial difficulties: it will soon be calling in the receiver. They press him to try and assist them, pointing out the number of votes that may be in it. Despite his concern, he tells them that as a minister
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
he can't intervene in a local matter. However, one of the officials is chairman of the council's
County council
A county council is the elected administrative body governing an area known as a county. This term has slightly different meanings in different countries.-United Kingdom:...
Arts and Leisure Committee. He mentions that money is being spent on a nearby art gallery that is in a state of disrepair, and that they keep getting offers for the site. Hacker suggests they sell the art gallery and save the football club, which is feasible, subject to a planning inquiry. They go to visit the Corn Exchange Art Gallery, a Grade 2 listed building, which Hacker nevertheless describes as "hideous".
Back in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Sir Humphrey Appleby
Humphrey Appleby
Sir Humphrey Appleby, GCB, KBE, MVO, MA , is a fictional character from the British television series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. He was played by Sir Nigel Hawthorne. In Yes Minister, he is the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Administrative Affairs...
, Hacker's Permanent Secretary
Permanent Secretary
The Permanent secretary, in most departments officially titled the permanent under-secretary of state , is the most senior civil servant of a British Government ministry, charged with running the department on a day-to-day basis...
, has got wind of his plan and is taking an interest — despite it being a constituency matter. While he is in the Minister's office, awaiting his arrival, he discusses it with Bernard
Bernard Woolley
Sir Bernard Woolley GCB is one of the three main fictional characters of the 1980s British sitcom Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister. He was portrayed by Derek Fowlds.-Character:...
. Sir Humphrey is passionately opposed to the idea of taking money from the arts and using it to subsidise a commercial operation such as a football club. The Minister arrives, and immediately senses that all is not well: he goes into a mild panic when Sir Humphrey announces that there is a reshuffle in the offing. However, this is to be a departmental reorganisation (a "real reshuffle"), possibly meaning extra responsibilities. Then he raises the issue of the Corn Exchange Art Gallery. With several weak arguments, Sir Humphrey seeks to convince Hacker not to proceed before finally telling him that it is a matter of principle. He once again explains his view, but Hacker can see no difference between art and football — except that a lot more people are interested in the latter. The Minister opines to Sir Humphrey that art is only subsidised for people like him: the educated middle classes, who enjoy theatre
Theatre
Theatre is a collaborative form of fine art that uses live performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place. The performers may communicate this experience to the audience through combinations of gesture, speech, song, music or dance...
, opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
and ballet
Ballet
Ballet is a type of performance dance, that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century, and which was further developed in France and Russia as a concert dance form. The early portions preceded the invention of the proscenium stage and were presented in large chambers with...
. Sir Humphrey counters that facilities such as the Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
would not exist were it not for subsidy. Hacker regards this as a very good case in point, citing non-British productions, seats that the public can't afford or even book, and a gift of £9.5 million per year. Sir Humphrey has to leave early and can no longer continue with the "appalling discussion". He lets slip that he is actually going to a gala performance of The Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman (opera)
Der fliegende Holländer is an opera, with music and libretto by Richard Wagner.Wagner claimed in his 1870 autobiography Mein Leben that he had been inspired to write "The Flying Dutchman" following a stormy sea crossing he made from Riga to London in July and August 1839, but in his 1843...
in Covent Garden
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...
along with other Permanent Secretaries (much to Hacker's glee). The Minister allows him to depart, not wishing to make him late for his "works' outing".
During the interval at the Royal Opera House, Sir Humphrey visits the bar and chats with Sir Ian Whitworth, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the United Kingdom...
. Sir Humphrey wishes him to oversee the planning inquiry relating to Hacker's project and lay down some "informal guidelines". When Sir Ian asks why he wants it fixed, his colleague informs him and he is equally aghast at the proposal, which he sees as "simply subsidising self-indulgence."
The next day, Hacker is in his office with Bernard. The Principal Private Secretary
Principal Private Secretary
In the British Civil Service and Australian Public Service the Principal Private Secretary is the civil servant who runs a cabinet minister's private office...
announces the Minister's forthcoming diary appointments, which comprise meetings with a number of public bodies to which Bernard refers as the "arts and architecture mafia", all of them opposed to the demolition of the art gallery. Sir Humphrey has asked them to visit, but Hacker is unconcerned, and is determined to support his "excellent scheme". Next, Bernard asks the Minister to approve a regulatory amendment that is couched in such oblique, cabbalistic civil service
British Civil Service
Her Majesty's Home Civil Service, also known as the Home Civil Service, is the permanent bureaucracy of Crown employees that supports Her Majesty's Government - the government of the United Kingdom, composed of a Cabinet of ministers chosen by the prime minister, as well as the devolved...
language that Hacker calls it "piddling gobbledegook". It transpires that it will enable local councillors to claim a bigger allowance for attending council meetings. Bernard then tells Hacker of Sir Humphrey's talk with Sir Ian the previous evening, and warns him about the "guidelines" that will be laid down for the planning inquiry. Hacker believes all such inquiries to be impartial, but as Bernard remarks, "Railway trains are impartial too, but if you lay down the lines for them that's the way they go." The Minister protests and, after learning how planning inspectors are appointed, decides to lay down some guidelines himself.
At lunch, Sir Humphrey is at table with Sir Ian, along with Sir Arnold Robinson, the Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Secretary
A Cabinet Secretary is almost always a senior official who provides services and advice to a Cabinet of Ministers. In many countries, the position can have considerably wider functions and powers, including general responsibility for the entire civil service...
. It transpires that Hacker has indeed been busy and their chosen planning inspector has now been replaced. However, Sir Humphrey has an idea. If they add Minister for the Arts to Hacker's portfolio in the upcoming departmental reorganisation, he can hardly close down an art gallery as his first action.
Hacker is about to have a meeting with his constituency's councillors about the proposal, but Sir Humphrey is on his way. He bursts in to bring the Minister news of his new responsibilities, and Hacker is pleasantly surprised. However, he pauses for thought when Sir Humphrey reminds him of the implications regarding the football club. Hacker quickly concludes that the art gallery is worth saving after all, but the councillors are waiting outside. Bernard ushers them in and Hacker struggles to explain that he can no longer give his approval. The councillors are unimpressed and accuse him of going back on his word. However, Bernard saves the day by drawing the Minister's attention to the regulation he signed earlier regarding councillors' attendance allowances. Hacker tells them frankly that they must choose between one and the other. This now puts things in a different light, and the councillors come up with an alternative plan to raise the money by closing down a local school and selling the land, leaving the meeting happy at the outcome. After they leave, Sir Humphrey too makes his excuses: it is another gala performance. Now Hacker asks if he can come too, and the Permanent Secretary is delighted.
Episode cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Eddington Paul Eddington Paul Eddington CBE was an English actor best known for his appearances in popular television sitcoms of the 1970s and 80s: The Good Life, Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.-Early life:... |
Jim Hacker |
| Nigel Hawthorne Nigel Hawthorne Sir Nigel Barnard Hawthorne, CBE was an English actor, perhaps best remembered for his role as Sir Humphrey Appleby, the Permanent Secretary in the 1980s sitcom Yes Minister and the Cabinet Secretary in its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister. For this role he won four BAFTA Awards during the 1980s in the... |
Sir Humphrey Appleby |
| Derek Fowlds Derek Fowlds Derek Fowlds is an English actor, known for playing Bernard Woolley in popular British television comedies Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister and Oscar Blaketon in the long-running ITV police drama Heartbeat.... |
Bernard Woolley |
| John Nettleton John Nettleton (actor) John Nettleton is an English actor.One of his most notable roles was that of Sir Arnold Robinson, the Cabinet Secretary in Yes Minister and President of the Campaign for Freedom of Information in the follow-up Yes, Prime Minister... |
Sir Arnold Robinson |
| John Barron John Barron (actor) John Barron was an English actor.-Biography:Born in Marylebone, London, Barron was interested in acting from an early age. For his 18th birthday his godfather paid his entry fee to RADA. After serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, he returned to stage acting... |
Sir Ian Whitworth |
| Patrick O'Connell Patrick O'Connell (actor) Patrick O'Connell is a retired Irish actor known for numerous performances on UK television and in films.He was brought up in Birmingham, England and after working in the office of a department store he trained as an actor at RADA... |
Brian Wilkinson |
| Derek Benfield Derek Benfield Derek Benfield was a British playwright and actor.He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, and educated at Bingley Grammar School. He was the author of the stage farce Running Riot and the second actor who played Patricia Routledge's character's husband in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates... |
Aston Wanderers Board Member |
Cast notes
- The Permanent Secretary (Department of the Environment) played by John Barron in this episode is called Sir Ian Whitworth, whereas in "The Compassionate SocietyThe Compassionate Society"The Compassionate Society" is the eighth episode of the BBC comedy series Yes Minister and was first broadcast 23 February 1981. In this episode, the final ' Yes Minister ' is uttered by Bernard Woolley.- Plot :...
", the same actor portrayed Sir Ian Whitchurch, Permanent Secretary of the DHSS. It is unclear whether they are two different characters or the result of an error by the writers, given that (even if the difference in surnames could be forgiven) Permanent Secretaries very rarely, if ever, move departments.