Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 6 December 1939.
Major Sir Frank Markham
, Nottingham South
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that in the Nottingham area butter wholesalers are allowed to distribute only 50 per cent. of normal July supplies to retailers, and that in consequence, since July is a holiday month, Nottingham is being unfairly treated for supplies in comparison with coastal towns; and will he remedy this immediately?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
Under the temporary distribution scheme butter has been distributed to first-hand suppliers on the basis of 50 per cent. of their sales in the June-July period of 1939. In subsequent distribution through trade channels every effort is made to secure the most equitable distribution possible, taking account of all the circumstances. Distribution in the Nottingham area on the reduced allocation has been in line with that applied to the country as a whole, and supplementary allocations have also been made in that area.
Major Sir Frank Markham
, Nottingham South
Can the Minister say when the supplementary allocation was given and what was the percentage?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I could, with notice, give my hon. Friend the date in question, and the quantities.
Mr Frederick Cocks
, Broxtowe
Is it not a fact that butter is being distributed on the basis of registered customers in each area?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
Yes, Sir. We are commencing now to correct the allocations with the information that has been derived from the registration of customers, and from to-day there will be, I hope, an improvement in the position.
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.
