Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Information. – in the House of Commons at on 16 July 1941.
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
asked the Minister of Information whether compulsory powers under the Emergency Powers Act have been used to requisition buildings required for the accommodation of the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
asked the Minister of Information what progress has been made in securing the additional buildings which it was announced, on 25th March, 1941, would be required for the accommodation of the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
Mr. Cooper:
I am glad to say that additional accommodation in the building to which I referred on 25th March has now been obtained. In order to afford further relief to this building, and to provide room for expansion, we are taking over substantial accommodation in a Government building in the same neighbourhood. The separate large building to which I referred on 25th March has unfortunately been damaged by enemy action on two occasions since that date, but repairs and the provision of the necessary equipment are proceeding as quickly as possible. Another building under construction in a different part of London has been taken over, and its completion is being expedited as much as possible. It will provide a valuable extension of studio and office accommodation, also sleeping and other accommodation for the staff.
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
asked the Minister of Information what is the policy of His Majesty's Government concerning the release from military service of expert personnel required for the foreign broadcasting services of the British Broadcasting Corporation?
Mr. Cooper:
The policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter is to ensure that the services of every individual may be directed to the channels where they can make the greatest contribution to the national war effort. Many cases must, therefore, be decided upon their merits, and if my hon. Friend is aware of any in which this policy is not being carried out, I shall be grateful if he will give me particulars.
Mr Philip Noel-Baker
, Derby
I am much obliged to my right hon. Friend, and I will give him the particulars.
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.
