Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Works – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 January 1947.
Mr Philip Piratin
, Stepney Mile End
12:00,
27 January 1947
asked the Minister of Works how many licences have been applied for to carry out repairs and improvements to farm buildings and other work to increase the efficiency of agriculture; what is the estimated total cost of the work; and how many of these licences have been granted.
Mr George Tomlinson
, Farnworth
In the year ended 31st December, 1946, 18,787 applications were made to my Ministry for licences to carry out repairs and improvements to farm buildings. The number of licences granted was 17,746 for work amounting to about £7,717,000. Figures are not available in respect of licences granted by local authorities for work costing less than £100.
Colonel Leonard Ropner
, Barkston Ash
Can the Minister say why so small a proportion of licences was granted?
Mr George Tomlinson
, Farnworth
I should have thought 17,746 out of 18,787 was a great proportion.
Colonel Leonard Ropner
, Barkston Ash
I am sorry. I misunderstood the right hon. Gentleman.
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.
