Oral Answers to Questions — Employment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 November 1956.
Mr John Parker
, Dagenham
12:00,
27 November 1956
asked the Minister of Labour what information he has about short-time working at Ford's, Dagenham.
Mr Iain Macleod
, Enfield West
I understand that this firm intends to introduce short-time working, but details have not yet been announced. Discussions on the matter are taking place between the firm and the unions concerned.
Mr John Parker
, Dagenham
Can the right hon. Gentleman help by speeding up the release of ships for exporting cars?
Mr Iain Macleod
, Enfield West
It is not a matter which comes directly within my province, but I will be glad to draw the attention of my right hon. Friends to the point.
Mr Godfrey Lagden
, Hornchurch
Is my right hon. Friend aware that talks between the staff and the company concerned took place early last week and that the unions will certainly be informed before any short-time work plan is put into operation?
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.
