Oral Answers to Questions — Education – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 October 1949.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore
, Ayr District of Burghs
12:00,
20 October 1949
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what views have been expressed by the Governments of the Commonwealth countries in regard to the devaluation of the pound sterling.
Mr Patrick Gordon Walker
, Smethwick
I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the public statements made by Ministers in the various Commonwealth countries on behalf of their Governments.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore
, Ayr District of Burghs
What is not clear is this. Was the Minister permitted by the Chancellor to consult the Governments of the Commonwealth before the announcement was made? If so, how long before?
Mr Patrick Gordon Walker
, Smethwick
I think the hon. and gallant Member will realise that information cannot be given about the exchange of views and information between Commonwealth Governments. That practice is very well established. Information was given in this case as early as practicable in the circumstances.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore
, Ayr District of Burghs
I asked about consultation.
Mr Patrick Gordon Walker
, Smethwick
Information about exchanges between Commonwealth Governments cannot be given because they must be confidential in their very nature.
Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore
, Ayr District of Burghs
Why does the hon. Member dodge my question? I asked about consultation.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The Chancellor - also known as "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is responsible as a Minister for the treasury, and for the country's economy. For Example, the Chancellor set taxes and tax rates. The Chancellor is the only MP allowed to drink Alcohol in the House of Commons; s/he is permitted an alcoholic drink while delivering the budget.
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.
