Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 8 February 1940.
Sir Frederick Messer
, Tottenham South
asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the report of the situation of the evacuees at Leighton Buzzard; whether he can state the number of boys who are to be turned out because the people cannot afford to keep them; and whether he is considering any increase in the billeting allowance?
Mr Walter Elliot
, Glasgow Kelvingrove
The only report which has been brought to my notice is the news- paper cutting sent to me by the hon. Member, but I am causing further inquiries to be made.
Sir Frederick Messer
, Tottenham South
asked the Minister of Health whether billets have now been found for all evacuees sent to Woking or if compulsory powers are to be used; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that evacuees will not suffer by compulsory billeting?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
asked the Minister of Health whether Woking is the only local authority which has been informed that unless it immediately finds billets for evacuees the Government will take steps to compel householders to comply with the evacuation order?
Mr Walter Elliot
, Glasgow Kelvingrove
There appears to be some misapprehension as to the communication made to the urban district council. This was a suggestion that if the billets required for children could not be obtained by the usual procedure within a limited time, it would be necessary for the council to consider resorting to their compulsory powers. I understand that the council expect that it will be necessary to take this course and that arrangements will be made for increased supervision by voluntary welfare workers in all cases in which children are compulsorily billeted.
Sir Frederick Messer
, Tottenham South
Will the Minister deal with the latter part of my Question?
Mr Walter Elliot
, Glasgow Kelvingrove
I have dealt with it.
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.
