Oral Answers to Questions — Local Government – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 9 June 1964.
Mrs Judith Hart
, Lanark
12:00,
9 June 1964
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will request all local authorities to provide free hand-washing facilities in all public lavatories.
Mr Frederick Corfield
, Gloucestershire South
My right hon. Friend will certainly consider a circular to local authorities with advice on this subject.
Mrs Judith Hart
, Lanark
Many people will be grateful for that Answer, but it seems extraordinary that at a time when we are being asked to be conscious of hygiene, woman can be asked to pay 4d. for the privilege of using a piece of soap. When issuing his circular to local authorities, will the hon. Gentleman request them to pay particular attention to the need for either hot air machines for hand drying, or for paper towels?
Mr Frederick Corfield
, Gloucestershire South
I shall certainly consider that and any other suggestions. I assure the hon. Lady that I share her concern over this matter. We will lose no time in instigating the advice that we give.
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.
