Oral Answers to Questions — Government Departments. – in the House of Commons at on 12 December 1939.
Miss Ellen Wilkinson
, Jarrow
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that competent typists capable of statistical work are being paid £2 10s. per week and shorthand typists £2 17s. 6d. in the department of petrol supplies; and whether these girls will be paid overtime for the extra work they have been warned will have to be done by working through the Christmas holidays?
Mr Geoffrey Lloyd
, Birmingham, Ladywood
The typing staff of my Department is paid at the standard rates authorised by His Majesty's Treasury. I have given instructions that only the minimum staff required for essential duties should be at work during Christmas Day or Boxing Day; should it prove really necessary to keep any typing staff on duty on either day they will be entitled to take a day's leave at a later date.
Miss Ellen Wilkinson
, Jarrow
Does the Minister's reply mean that these girls who work through Christmas Day and Boxing Day will not be paid the overtime rate?
Mr Geoffrey Lloyd
, Birmingham, Ladywood
The question of the rate is a different one.
Miss Ellen Wilkinson
, Jarrow
If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I asked about the rate —whether they will be paid overtime rates for doing this work on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Mr Geoffrey Lloyd
, Birmingham, Ladywood
I think I answered that question.
Miss Ellen Wilkinson
, Jarrow
Have I the Minister's pledge that they will be paid?
Mr Geoffrey Lloyd
, Birmingham, Ladywood
That is what I understand.
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.
