Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce. – in the House of Commons at on 20 February 1940.
Mr. D. M. Adams:
asked the Minister of Shipping whether he is aware that many of our ships are not accepting the protection of the convoys; and will he take such measures as are necessary to compel that all vessels shall avail themselves for protection in convoys so as to prevent undue suffering, loss of life, and the loss of tonnage?
Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare
, Norwich
I have been asked to reply. I have not heard of any case in which a British ship has refused to take advantage of the convoy facilities offered.
Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare
, Norwich
Certainly.
Sir Percy Harris
, Bethnal Green South West
How many ships are preferring to go on their own independently of the convoy because they are of higher speed and can go much faster than the convoy?
Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare
, Norwich
That is rather another question. We provide the convoys in every case that is expedient.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
Is it not true that many ships would be glad to take advantage of the convoy, but the Admiralty cannot provide it?
Mr Geoffrey Shakespeare
, Norwich
I do not think so.
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.
