Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Supply – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 3 March 1947.
Dr Mont Follick
, Loughborough
12:00,
3 March 1947
asked the Minister of Supply if he will restrict the manufacture of omnibuses and coaches to about six or eight types because, at present, the large diversity of models is impeding the output.
Mr John Wilmot
, Deptford
I understand that a reduction in the number of types of public service vehicle bodies as a means to increased output is already under active consideration between the industry and the operators.
Dr Mont Follick
, Loughborough
Is the Minister aware that output of buses is being greatly retarded because each authority and bus company have their particular fancies upon which they insist when placing orders?
Mr John Wilmot
, Deptford
As I have said, this question is being tackled.
Mr Ian Mikardo
, Reading
Does not the necessity to reduce the numbers of models apply equally to private cars?
Mr John Wilmot
, Deptford
Yes, Sir, it does, and it is being done in that case also.
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.
