Oral Answers to Questions — Transport. – in the House of Commons at on 30 September 1931.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
asked the Minister of Transport if he can now state the decision regarding the proposed Dartford-Purfleet tunnel; and whether, if alterna- tive suggestions are to be considered, he will consider a high-level bridge, such as the Tyne or Forth Bridge?
Sir Percy Pybus
, Harwich
As I explained in the course of the Debate on the Economy Bill on the 28th September, it has been decided, after consultation with representatives of the county councils of Essex and Kent, to postpone the construction of the Lower Thames Tunnel. I hope, however, to arrange with these local authorities for all necessary measures to be taken for safeguarding the line of the tunnel and its approaches. No question arises of considering alternative suggestions.
Mr Philip Hoffman
, Sheffield Central
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this tunnel was agreed to in 1924—seven years ago?
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.
