Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 31 January 1940.
Mr Robert Gibson
, Greenock
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction owing to the fact that sugar refineries at Greenock are allowed to work short-time, while molasses, available for use as raw material in these refineries is diverted for manufacture into non-food producing products; and what steps he intends to take to prevent such diversion, and thus increase both the work available at Greenock, and the sugar available for rationing?
Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd
, Mid Bedfordshire
I am aware that there is a possibility that the sugar refineries at Greenock may have to work short time owing to the necessity for rationing sugar. Imported molasses are mostly unsuitable for refining into sugar and are as a general rule required for industrial purposes. I fear that it is impracticable to increase the supply of sugar at the present time.
Mr Robert Gibson
, Greenock
Will the Minister answer that part of the Question which deals with the diverting of molasses to the manufacture of non-food-producing products.
Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd
, Mid Bedfordshire
As I have said, they are being used for industrial purposes. The molasses contain such a low sugar content that they would be of very little use in meeting the hon. Member's need.
Mr Robert Gibson
, Greenock
What are the industrial processes referred to in the answer?
Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd
, Mid Bedfordshire
That is a question for the Minister of Supply.
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.
