The Middle-Class Rip-Off
| "The Middle-Class Rip-Off" | |
|---|---|
| Yes Minister episode | |
| Episode no. |
Series 3 Episode 7 |
| Written by |
Antony Jay Jonathan Lynn |
| Produced by | Peter Whitmore |
| Original air date | 23 December 1982 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
"The Middle-Class Rip-Off" is the twenty-first episode of the BBC comedy series Yes Minister and was first broadcast 23 December 1982.
Jim Hacker 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".
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