Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 14 December 1939.
Mr George Mathers
, Linlithgowshire
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give the date when the minimum wage rates proposed by the Scottish Baking Trade Board will become operative; and when the measure to speed up the machinery of the trade board will be passed?
Mr Ernest Brown
, Leith
Assuming that the rates proposed are fixed by the trade board and confirmed, they will become operative about the middle of February next. With regard to the second part of the question, discussions with representatives of employers and workers are still proceeding.
Mr George Mathers
, Linlithgowshire
That is the point. Are there no means of making these rates and conditions operative more quickly?
Mr Ernest Brown
, Leith
None whatever.
Mr Robert Gibson
, Greenock
Is the right hon. Gentleman doing everything to expedite this matter?
Mr Ernest Brown
, Leith
I certainly am.
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.
