Oral Answers to Questions — Fuel and Power – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 5 December 1949.
Mr Arthur Symonds
, Cambridge
12:00,
5 December 1949
asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a number of reject cows were sent by his Department on 18th October by rail from Gowerton, Glamorganshire, to Nottingham for slaughter; and if he will arrange in future for such aged animals to be slaughtered at the nearest slaughterhouse and the carcases despatched to the desired destination.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Yes, Sir; the movement took place at a time when more cows were being sent to markets in the south-western area than could be killed there. Nottingham was the nearest place where they could be dealt with; they arrived in good order and were killed on the same day. Normally we kill such animals at the nearest slaughterhouse that can deal with them quickly.
Mr Arthur Symonds
, Cambridge
Would my right hon. Friend agree with the general principle that long journeys for aged animals are quite unnecessary?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Yes, Sir.
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.
