Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons at on 14 February 1924.
Sir Frederick Penny
, Kingston upon Thames
asked the Prime; Minister whether, in view of the fact that six of the Members of his Government have resigned from the Socialistische Arbeiter-Internationale, he will inform the House whether all official connection has been severed with that body?
Mr John Clynes
, Manchester Platting
Members of the Government belong to no body of this name: but I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend in reply to a Private Notice question by the hon. Member for South Kensington on Tuesday.
Captain Reginald Berkeley
, Nottingham Central
Is it correct, as has been stated in the Press, that this international organisation aims at achieving its ends by promoting what is called a "class struggle," and is it correct that the Labour Party is affiliated to that organization?
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
The Minister does not, control that body.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
