Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Supply. – in the House of Commons at on 21 February 1940.
Sir Reginald Blair
, Hendon
asked the Minister of Supply whether, in order to remedy the timber shortage, experimental imports have been made of Brazilian Imbuia timber for the building industries and ship construction and for interior fittings and, in a minor degree, for certain types of pit-props; and, if, so, with what results?
Mr Edward Burgin
, Luton
I understand that small supplies have been imported privately in recent years for experimental purposes. My hon. Friend will appreciate that during the war the timber problem is largely one of transport, and having regard to the length of the haul it has not been considered desirable to import this wood.
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.
