Oral Answers to Questions — West Indies. – in the House of Commons at on 15 October 1941.
Mr Daniel Lipson
, Cheltenham
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that matches are practically unobtainable by the general public; and whether he will take steps to increase the supply available?
Mr Charles Waterhouse
, Leicester South
The supply of matches is now about half pre-war consumption and production could be materially increased only at the expense of direct war needs. As my right hon. Friend stated yesterday in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), steps are being taken to produce a mechanical lighter of a simple and economical type.
Mr Daniel Lipson
, Cheltenham
In view of the fact that matches are practically unobtainable under the present system by householders, will the Minister consider a system of registration; and will he say what would be a reasonable weekly ration for each house?
Mr Charles Waterhouse
, Leicester South
I am afraid the rationing of matches would not be the best way to meet the present shortage. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any town in which there is a particular shortage, we will look into the matter and see what can be done.
Mr Daniel Lipson
, Cheltenham
Is not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that it would be more difficult to name a town where matches were available at the present time?
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
In consequence of the big demand for mechanical lighters, how is it proposed to prevent prices from jumping up?
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.
