Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 6 March 1929.
Mr George Buchanan
, Glasgow Gorbals
asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet come to any decision as to the continuance or otherwise of what is known as the transition period; if so, what is the nature of his decision; and, if not, can he state when a decision is likely to be arrived at?
Sir Henry Betterton
, Rushcliffe
My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement on this subject before the House rises for Easter.
Mr George Buchanan
, Glasgow Gorbals
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that really that will be cutting it tremendously fine, in view of the anxiety that is felt in many quarters, and cannot the Minister see his way to make the statement at an earlier date than that?
Sir Henry Betterton
, Rushcliffe
My right hon. Friend is fully mindful of the importance of making a statement on this matter, which is an important one, as soon as possible, and he has undertaken to do that.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Linlithgowshire
What is the special information for which the right hon. Gentleman is waiting to enable him to come to a decision?
Sir Henry Betterton
, Rushcliffe
The information which is necessary before we legislate or if we legislate—I do not know whether or not we shall—on a very important matter.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Linlithgowshire
But what is the information?
Mr Jack Lawson
, Chester-le-Street
Will this statement be made in time to give an opportunity for discussion?
Sir Henry Betterton
, Rushcliffe
Yes, certainly.
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.
