Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons at on 14 February 1924.
Mr Daniel Somerville
, Barrow-in-Furness
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if his inspectors have reported to the effect that there were a number of dangerous mills in different parts of Yorkshire; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. DAVIES:
The inspectors report from time to time cases of structural defect, some of which have been serious, but there is no reason to think that a considerable number of mills are in a dangerous condition. Any defects observed are, of course, immediately dealt with either by reference to the local authorities or by direct action of the inspectors. In view, however, of the recent accident special inquiries are now being instituted as to the conditions in the older mills in Yorkshire, and I will also consider, in consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, whether any further powers are needed for dealing with the matter.
Mr Daniel Somerville
, Barrow-in-Furness
Has the, hon. Member seen the public statement made by the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. B. Turner) that there are a large number of dangerous mills in existence in Yorkshire?
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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.
