Oral Answers to Questions — Armed Forces – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 April 1947.
Group Captain Clifford Wilcock
, Derby
12:00,
2 April 1947
asked the Minister of Defence whether, in the interest of economy, both of manpower and money, he will arrange for the R.A.F. to assume responsibility for the flying training of Naval Air Arm personnel and the maintenance of naval aircraft when ashore, and the shore naval bases now controlled by the Naval Air Arm to be transferred to the R.A.F.
Mr Albert Alexander
, Sheffield, Hillsborough
There is no evidence before me that it would make either for economy or for efficiency for the R.A.F. to assume responsibility for those functions now carried out by the Royal Navy for the Naval Air Arm.
Group Captain Clifford Wilcock
, Derby
Is the Minister aware that there is duplication in the shore establishments, which must result in a wastage of manpower? Would he undertake to consider this in the light of evidence that I will bring to his notice?
Mr Albert Alexander
, Sheffield, Hillsborough
I shall be glad to receive evidence. As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, basic pilot training is being done for the Navy by the Air Force already, and the subsequent training is carried out especially for naval purposes. I shall be glad to see any evidence he has.
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.
