Norman held his first cabinet meeting this morning.
Among the subjects dicussed were the following:-
Ken (Beverage Minister) suggested providing more cups for No 10 Upping Street, so that everyone could have a beverage at cabinet meetings. Bossy Ross (Home Secretary) agreed to provide these from his lifeboat station cafe. Len (Biscuit Minister) thought that biscuits should also be provided. Everyone was in agreement, but it was discovered that Playmobil don't make biscuits, so they have gone on the list (FAO Playmobil bosses) of things we would like to see in the Playmobil catalogue. Meanwhile Bossy Ross offered to provide cakes and buns (also from his cafe).
Archie (Defence) was a little worried about the lack of any modern warfare equipment. In fact, all there is apart from Archie's bow and arrows and sword, are some guns owned by the police. He considered the possibility of buying some Knights, Romans etc, but again they only have low-tech weapons. Proper guns, tanks, fighter planes and naval warships have been added to the list (FAO Playmobil bosses). Meanwhile Father Christmas (Foreign Secretary) suggested working in conjunction with the Cuddly Toys to provide some help in the event of a Lego invasion.
Michael (Justice) also complained about the lack of any proper riot shields for the police force. These have also been added to the list (FAO Playmobil bosses).
Arnold (Transport) suggested an extension to the Playmoland rail network. This would require the purchase of extra track, buffers and signals. Norman has asked Rupert (Chancellor of the Exchequer) to prepare a budget following the cabinet meeting. Rupert agreed to work with the Bank of Ds to cost out any items which need to be purchased.
Jeff Marlin (Leisure and tourism) suggested that hotel accommodation would be an asset to Playmoland, as would a children's play park. The former has been added to the list (FAO Playmobil bosses) and the latter added to the list of items to be considered in Rupert's budget.
Priya (Arts and Culture) was aggrieved by the lack of arts and culture in Playmoland. Suggestions were put forward by members of the cabinet, which included a concert hall and orchestra, and some artists and art work. All have been added to the list (FAO Playmobil bosses).
Neil (Health) gave an encouraging report of the Playmo Health Service, but added they were a litle short of bandages and plaster casts. These have been included for consideration in Rupert's budget.
Rachel (Education) was vociferous in her complaints about the lack of education in Playmoland. She will look into what is available in the current Playmobil catalogue, and present her findings to the cabinet.
Bossy Ross also felt that the fire service could do with a few more appliances. These will also be sourced from the Playmobil catalogue.
Eleanor (Environment) felt that Playmoland could do with a bit more green space and landscaping, and also that there was insufficient biodiversity in Playmoland. The addition of some landscaping would help this, as would a zoo (which would also help the leisure industry). However, some members of the cabinet were worried about finding enough space to install a zoo. Norman suggested looking into possible re-arrangemant of the playroom to accommodate one.
It was noted that the cabinet did not have a sports minister, and this was an omission which should be rectified. Caroline the windsurfer was duly appointed as Sports Minister.
Norman wound up proceedings by offering tea all round (or other beverages if preferred).
Father Christmas left immediately for a fact-finding tour of Ds's bedroom, where he hoped to discuss a defence alliance with the Cuddly Toys.