Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 31 July 1947.
Mr John Lewis
, Bolton
12:00,
31 July 1947
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent it became necessary to rely upon road transport for the movement of coal during the fuel crisis.
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
During the period of abnormal weather early in the year, road vehicles were employed extensively on the movement of coal. The extent to which road transport was used varied considerably from district to district. Particular use was made of road vehicles for the distribution of accumulated stocks of opencast coal, mainly in the North Midlands area.
Mr John Lewis
, Bolton
Is the Minister satisfied, bearing in mind the shortage of tyres, that the motor transport industry is in a condition to deal with any situation which may arise?
Mr Emanuel Shinwell
, Seaham
In these matters of transport, I am dependent upon the transport authorities. So far as I know, the position is reviewed from time to time, and my information is that we shall be able to carry the coal that is available.
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.
