Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons at on 14 February 1924.
Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy
, Kingston upon Hull Central
asked the Prime. Minister whether he has found it possible to send any message of condolence to the Russian Government on the death of Lenin, either through our Charge d'Affaires in Moscow, or direct; and if he is aware that the head of the Russian Mission to Great Britain offered his condolences on the death of the right hon. Andrew Bonar Law by direction of his Government?
Mr Arthur Ponsonby
, Sheffield, Brightside
On receipt of the news of the death of Lenin, it was decided to leave it to Mr. Hodgson to take or to join in any action at Moscow that might be officially appropriate to the occasion. This decision was taken on 22nd January, the day before the present Government was formed and ten days before de jure recognition was given to the Soviet Government. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.
Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy
, Kingston upon Hull Central
What action did Mr. Hodgson take? Was he associated with the German Ambassador who, on behalf of the whole Diplomatic Corps in Moscow, tendered such an expression of condolence?
Mr Arthur Ponsonby
, Sheffield, Brightside
I have not yet received any report.
Commander Hon. Joseph Kenworthy
, Kingston upon Hull Central
If I repeat a similar question next week, will my hon. Friend be able to give me the information?
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.
