Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 19 June 1941.
Mr Robert Morrison
, Tottenham North
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of difficulties in determining rent and rates chargeable for damaged houses only partly habitable; and whether he will issue a statement for the guidance of local authorities, tenants and landlords?
Mr Ernest Brown
, Leith
I would refer my hon Friend to the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) (Amendment) Bill at present before the House. If and when the Bill receives Royal Assent, I shall be prepared to issue a circular to local authorities explaining its provisions, and to take steps to ensure that it receives adequate publicity.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore
, Ayr District of Burghs
Will that be done in connection with the Commissioners for Crown Lands, who own so much property and demand high rents?
Mr Ernest Brown
, Leith
The Question here is general.
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.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
