Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Works – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 August 1947.
Hon. Lancelot Joynson-Hicks
, Chichester
12:00,
11 August 1947
asked the Minister of Works for what purpose some 5,000 feet super of accommodation in Fanum House, New Coventry Street, London, W.1, has been held under requisition but unused for four months despite repeated requests of owners for its release.
Mr Charles Key
, Poplar Bow and Bromley
The vacant space was retained to accommodate the British Commonwealth Scientific Office, for which no other suitable accommodation could be found, but alternative premises have now been obtained and the major part of the vacant space is being released to the owners. The remainder is required for Admiralty staffs who will shortly be taking occupation.
Hon. Lancelot Joynson-Hicks
, Chichester
As there has already been such a long delay, can the right hon. Gentleman say when this vacant space will be released to the owners?
Mr Charles Key
, Poplar Bow and Bromley
I think fairly quickly.
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.
