Yes Minister: Open Government

Whitehall will never be the same again as the Rt Hon James Hacker PC, MP, Bsc (Econ) moves from the comparative shelter of the Opposition benches into the front line of Government. But the main battles are to be fought in the corridors of power as the amiably opportunistic Jim Hacker crosses swords with Machiavellian Permanent Secretary, the urbane Sir Humphrey Appleby KCB, MVO, MA (Oxn). Can these unforgettable encounters be truly described as modern classics? Yes, Minister. Open Government (Originally transmitted 25 February 1980) Fresh from his triumph at the General Election, Jim is the newly appointed Minister for Administrative Affairs. And he believes in a commitment to Open Government, Until his idealistic, nationalist stance threatens an Anglo-American Trade Agreement, that is... The Official Visit (Originally transmitted 3 March 1980) The President of a new African state is to make an official visit and, with marginal by-elections pending, Jim sees the opportunity to make a little political capital too - £50 million to be exact. The Economy Drive (Originally transmitted 10 March) Jim Plans to slim down the Civil Service - and his own economy drive will set a personal example to the pampered bureaucrats. But he doesn't envisage a transport strike - nor a disgraceful episode outside the British Embassy. Big Brother (Originally transmitted 17 March 1980) Is Jim Hacker just a mouthpiece for the Civil Service? When he finds himself triple booked on his wedding anniversary, he decides enough is enough. What better way for him to assert himself than soften the blow of the soon-to-be introduced National Integrated Database? Giving everyone access to their file sounds simple enough. However, he hasn't reckoned on stalling tactics of Sir Humphrey...