Oral Answers to Questions — Public Building and Works – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 February 1964.
Mr Clive Bossom
, Leominster
12:00,
18 February 1964
asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement on the possibility of staging a Son et Lumiére at Hampton Court Palace during the summer months.
Mr Geoffrey Rippon
, Norwich South
I can now agree in principle to the staging of Son et Lumiére at Hampton Court Palace. I am considering what arrangement might be made for this summer.
Mr Clive Bossom
, Leominster
While we welcome this news, may I ask the Minister if he will look into the possibility of staging a river pageant and periodically illuminating the Palace when Son et Lumiére is not there? Lastly, could not more use be made of this historic royal palace by Government hospitality, using the banqueting hall and the Cumberland suite when it is restored?
Mr Geoffrey Rippon
, Norwich South
I will certainly consider any proposals of that nature which may be put forward. I know that the Lord Chamberlain is as anxious as I am that we should make the best possible use of this Royal Palace. I am certain, too, that it would be a good setting for Government hospitality from time to time, and that will apply also to the Cumberland suite when it is completed.
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.
