Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 15 October 1941.
Sir Charles Lyle
, Bournemouth
asked the Minister of Health whether he has recently made any inquiry to ascertain how the increase in the cost of living has operated in respect of the billeting allowances for both children and mothers; and, if not, whether he will do so to avoid families having to contribute to the upkeep of such evacuees out of their own resources?
Dame Florence Horsbrugh
, Dundee
Mothers and accompanied children are billeted for lodging only. I assume, therefore, that my hon. Friend has in mind billeting allowances for unaccompanied children. The question of the adequacy of billeting allowances is kept under constant review and certain aspects are receiving attention at the present moment.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Is it not a fact that the Minister of Health has received representations from many local authorities and individuals, asking that these allowances should be increased?
Dame Florence Horsbrugh
, Dundee
No, Sir, from very few.
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.
