Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 24 January 1940.
Mr Rhys Davies
, Westhoughton
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that poultry keepers in Lancashire have been without feeding-stuffs for several weeks; that his Department has advised them to get in touch with the Lancashire Food Controller at Blackburn but without result; and whether he will assist in this connection, and when?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
I am of course aware of the shortage of feeding-stuffs for poultry keepers in Lancashire and elsewhere, but I am glad to say that there has recently been a considerable improvement in the supply situation and increased quantities of cereal feeding-stuffs are being released to the trade.
Mr George Hall
, Merthyr Tydfil Aberdare
Although it is true that in the West Riding, for example, supplies have slightly increased, the price has become exceedingly high and complaints are now reaching me and I expect other hon. Members on this point? Can nothing be done?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
The price of feeding stuffs is controlled and if the hon. Member knows of any case of excessive prices being charged, I hope he will bring it to my notice. I have investigated about no such cases and in five of these I found the complaint was justified.
Mr Richard Acland
, Barnstaple
Would it not be better to make a definite announcement that it is a deliberate and a necessary part of the Government's war policy to reduce the number of poultry in this country by nearly 50 per cent.?
Mr William Morrison
, Cirencester and Tewkesbury
Without accepting the hon. Member's figure, I would call attention to the statement made by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I would also point out that the matter is to be debated.
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.
