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"the Battle of Britain."

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Information. – in the House of Commons at on 9 April 1941.

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Photo of Colonel Henry Burton Colonel Henry Burton , Sudbury

asked the Minister of Information the reason why the pamphlet "The Battle of Britain" is not allowed to be circulated abroad except through the Stationery Office; and whether he will cause the ban to be removed, so that this propaganda may reach a very much larger public through private persons?

Mr. Cooper:

My hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that this pamphlet is not allowed to be circulated abroad except through the Stationery Office. Every available means is being used to ensure that it receives the widest possible publicity abroad.

Photo of Mr Robert Morrison Mr Robert Morrison , Tottenham North

Will the Minister take steps to see that there are available a few copies in the Vote Office, as I have been endeavouring to get a copy ever since it was published?

Mr. Cooper:

I will endeavour to do so.

Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

Is the Minister aware that it is almost impossible to get a copy of this book on any of the bookstalls, and does he not agree that there should De some means whereby Members of Parliament can get one? If it had not been for his good offices, I should never have got a copy.

Mr. Cooper:

I know there has been a shortage, because the demand has proved to be greater than anticipated, but the shortage will soon be met, if it has not been met already, and efforts will be made to see that copies are available on all bookstalls.

Minister

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.