Yes Minister (TV Series 1980–1984) A British political satire sitcom. Yes Minister (1980) S1.E3 ∙ The Economy Drive Mon, Mar 10, 1980 The Minister decides there is far too much waste in government and decides the time has come to launch an economy drive. Sir Humphrey suggests to the Minister that he should lead by example and cut back on his own staff. He soon finds himself without a driver or a secretary and chaos ensues. He immediately gets into trouble with the trade unions and the press take advantage of the situation.