Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 April 1947.
Mr Frederick Erroll
, Altrincham and Sale
12:00,
17 April 1947
asked the Minister of Supply if he is aware that the manufacturers of mining machinery and mechanical coal cutters are having to accept export orders because the National Coal Board is unable to issue firm orders through its central purchasing department; and what action does he intend to take to eliminate this delay.
Mr William Leonard
, Glasgow St Rollox
The purchase of mining machinery has not been centralised. A few manufacturers may have limited surplus capacity in particular lines and this has been brought to the notice of the National Coal Board.
Mr Frederick Erroll
, Altrincham and Sale
Can the Minister say whether any action is being taken by the National Coal Board themselves in this matter?
Mr William Leonard
, Glasgow St Rollox
All action that is capable of being applied is being taken in association with the National Coal Board.
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.
