Sea Horse Marine Engine

Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 19 November 1973.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Frederick Willey Mr Frederick Willey , Sunderland North 12:00, 19 November 1973

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in his discussions about the Sea Horse marine engine.

Photo of Mr Anthony Grant Mr Anthony Grant , Harrow Central

My Department remains in close touch with the company concerned and is keeping itself informed of the progress of this project.

Photo of Mr Frederick Willey Mr Frederick Willey , Sunderland North

Will the Minister try to expedite the progress of the discussions? Is he aware that the very encouraging announcement made last week of Government support for Sunderland shipbuilding would be well complemented with equal support for this marine engine project?

Photo of Mr Anthony Grant Mr Anthony Grant , Harrow Central

Yes, indeed. I think that the company in question is well aware of the urgency. We await certain technical and commercial information from it, and I am sure that it will be as quick as possible in supplying that information.

Secretary of State

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.

Minister

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.