Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 December 1947.
Mr John Boyd-Carpenter
, Kingston upon Thames
12:00,
17 December 1947
asked the Minister of Food what inspection was made prior to shipment in s.s. "Novelist" of the consignment of tinned snoek at present en route to this country; whether he is aware that this consignment is known to be of low quality; and, in view of the importance of establishing public confidence in this South African product, whether he will arrange for special inspection before this consignment is distributed to the public.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
I understand that inspection takes place in South Africa on behalf of the South African Canners' Council, but, of course, the Ministry's contract, which is on C.I.F. terms, provides for inspection in this country, and the goods shipped on s.s. "Novelist" will be examined by the Ministry's inspectors as part of the usual routine.
Mr John Boyd-Carpenter
, Kingston upon Thames
In view of the public statement made by responsible officials in South Africa and statements in the South African Press, will the Parliamentary Secretary give particular and extra scrutiny to this consignment?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Yes, certainly. I would not like the public to think that some of this fish is not of excellent quality. Some has been sent salted, and I agree that some was a little tough. I assure the hon. Gentleman that we shall inspect it carefully.
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.
