Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Supply. – in the House of Commons at on 9 April 1941.
Mr Evelyn Walkden
, Doncaster
asked the Minister of Supply whether he has consulted with the Minister of Health as to the number of local authorities that may have refuse destructors, or similar plant, that, by simple adaptation, might be converted for use as concentrators, and thereby intensify the processing of kitchen waste food for agricultural purposes?
Sir Andrew Duncan
, City of London
About 20 local authorities have refuse disposal plant which could be used for the purpose indicated. This plant is fully occupied in dealing with slaughter house wastes, except in a few instances where the local authorities have been able to spare part of the plant for the treatment of kitchen waste.
Mr Evelyn Walkden
, Doncaster
Do the right hon. Gentleman's principal advisers share the opinion of salvage enthusiasts that the present collection of kitchen waste by local authorities is almost negligible in the greater part of the country; and is he prepared to face the fact that he cannot supply -half enough concentrators in the next five years to satisfy the needs of local authorities?
Sir Andrew Duncan
, City of London
No, Sir. I know of no foundation for the last statement. That the local authorities are not doing all they might do is possible; and we are at the present time investigating the situation with a view to taking action where necessary.
Mr Robert Gibson
, Greenock
Can the Minister say how many of the 20 plants are in Scotland?
Sir Andrew Duncan
, City of London
That, I cannot say.
Sir Andrew Duncan
, City of London
In judging that question, it is necessary to take into account circumstances of transport, labour, and other matters.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Will the Minister draw attention to the plant they have in Birmingham?
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.
