Oral Answers to Questions — Post-War Reconstruction. – in the House of Commons at on 15 October 1941.
Mr Ellis Smith
, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke
asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he has considered the advisability of setting up a Royal Commission that would consider local government, rating, etc., in order that local government may be put on modern lines as soon as possible after the termination of hostilities?
Mr Arthur Greenwood
, Wakefield
In the view of the Government it would not be advisable, at any rate in present circumstances, to set up a Royal Commission to consider the subjects to which my hon. Friend refers. These subjects are, however, under active consideration, and in this connection I am already in touch with associations representing local authorities in England and Wales. The question of Greater London, of course, raises special problems and will require separate examination. The position in Scotland is being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.
Mr Rhys Davies
, Westhoughton
Will my right hon. Friend take care during his investigations not to do anything to destroy the democratic nature of local government?
Mr Arthur Greenwood
, Wakefield
Most certainly, Sir, and the fact that we have taken the earliest possible opportunity of discussing this matter with local authorities is evidence of it.
Mr Reginald Sorensen
, Leyton West
Are we likely to have a provisional report on the possible developments in the future?
Mr Arthur Greenwood
, Wakefield
I should not like to say so, at the moment. There can be no alteration of the structure of local government authorities without their consent and we have to get an agreement acceptable to the Government before any statement can be made.
Viscountess Astor:
Does the Minister mean the consent of the local governments or of the local governed?
A Minister without Portfolio is a government minister with no specific responsibilities.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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.
