– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 November 1947.
Mr. De la Beèe:
asked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the licences granted to manufacturers for the production of soap powder, what safeguards are imposed to ensure that these powders do not contain pumice, acids, ammonia, and china clay, which are harmful to clothing, in view of the need to preserve the length of life of clothing for as long a period as possible.
Mr Evelyn Strachey
, Dundee
In granting soap-making licences, we try to maintain the general quality of soaps of all kinds, and I am satisfied that in general we have succeeded.
Mr. De la Bère:
Is it not very necessary to separate the true from the false, the real from the unreal? While I recognise that there are some good substitutes, will the Minister realise that, if ladies are to have these things, there must be something to preserve their complexions, because, if injurious to their complexions, there will be trouble?
Mr Evelyn Strachey
, Dundee
Yes, Sir. We do not believe in injurious preparations either.
Mr George Lambert
, South Molton
asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the shortage of soap in Crediton is such that his local office cannot allot sufficient soap to the Hayward Boys', Girls' and Infants' School to keep the school premises in a sanitary condition; and what steps he is taking to remedy this shortage.
Mr Evelyn Strachey
, Dundee
I am grateful to the hon. Member for bringing this case to my notice. I have made arrangements for the school to get its full entitlement.
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.
