Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 November 1947.
Mr Victor Collins
, Taunton
12:00,
24 November 1947
asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position with regard to the manufacture and delivery of supplies of horticultural glass; and if he is satisfied that available supplies are distributed in a manner best calculated to increase food production.
Mr Thomas Williams
, Don Valley
Manufacture of horticultural glass has suffered several serious interruptions during the past year, but, if present production targets are achieved, the position should be reasonably satisfactory. The distribution of this glass is not controlled, but I am satisfied that manufacturers are doing their utmost to distribute it fairly and with due regard to the needs of food production.
Mr Victor Collins
, Taunton
Can my right hon. Friend say if any priority is given to repairs and replacements, or can all this glass go into new production?
Mr Thomas Williams
, Don Valley
As I have already stated, this kind of glass is not controlled. Therefore, I should imagine that a person requiring glass, either for new construction or maintenance, would have an equal opportunity of obtaining it.
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.
