Oral Answers to Questions — Germany – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 March 1947.
Mr Richard Stokes
, Ipswich
12:00,
19 March 1947
asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why the house of Dr. Adolf Pohlmann, 26, Wallmodenstreet, Kleefeld, was requisitioned in December; whether he is aware that no suitable acommodation was provided; and whether he is aware that on 31st January, 1947, 26, Wallmodenstreet was still unoccupied.
Mr John Hynd
, Sheffield, Attercliffe
This house was requisitioned to provide accommodation for two British families. Dr. Pohlmann was offered alternative accommodation by the German authorities but refused it. Conversion of the house into two flats has been delayed, mainly by inclement weather, but the house is expected to be occupied by the end of this month.
Mr Richard Stokes
, Ipswich
Is my hon. Friend aware that despite repeated assurances given in this House no suitable alternative accommodation was provided, and will he say, in view of the changed policy, why it is not possible for the owner or tenant of the house to remain in part of it?
Mr John Hynd
, Sheffield, Attercliffe
There is no change of policy it I understood my hon. Friend aright. The fact is that this gentleman has been offered alternative accommodation but for some reason he saw fit to refuse it. I have not the information as to why he refused it, but I am following it up.
Dr Hyacinth Morgan
, Rochdale
Can my hon. Friend say whether this man was a doctor in a medical sense and if he was a medical practitioner, because, if so, his house would be very valuable to him?
Mr John Hynd
, Sheffield, Attercliffe
No, I understand he is a doctor of languages.
Mr Ralph Assheton
, City of London
Is it not surprising that the Minister uses a large controlled staff in Germany it he is to go into all these matters in detail?
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
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.
