Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 18 October 1939.
Mr Pierse Loftus
, Lowestoft
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that there is grave dissatisfaction among pig-producers regarding prices and methods of control and distribution with consequent danger of a rapid diminution in the pig population of the country; and whether he proposes to take any action to avoid this?
Mr John Morgan
, Doncaster
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is his intention to modify the terms at which fat pigs are supposed to be marketed at present, in view of the many private deals which are taking place at prices considerably above those fixed?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
My hon. Friends are no doubt aware that, by an Order made on 13th October, the price payable since the outbreak of war on pigs for slaughter has now been increased by 1s. per score. As regards the scheme of distribution, which is in the course of preparation, I think the answer to my hon. Friends is contained in my reply to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnor (Mr.Jackson).
Mr John Morgan
, Doncaster
Does the Minister take into account that the prices fixed tend to encourage the killing of immature pigs because they are not worth keeping on, and that the prices fixed for old heavy pigs will kill off the sows, and if he is starting with the sows where is the pig trade to go to?
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
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.
