Oral Answers to Questions — Police. – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.
Mr Frank Briant
, Lambeth North
asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the conditions of life of children living on canal boats and in caravans; if he is aware that probably more than half receive no education whatever and the remainder only the most intermittent education; and if legislation can be introduced which will prevent the continuation of a mode of life which is inimical to the health, education, and general wellbeing of those who at present have no permanent dwelling except in canal boats and caravans?
Mr Edward Shortt
, Newcastle upon Tyne West
The matter has been engaging the attention of the Government, but it is not practicable to propose legislation at the present time.
Mr Frank Briant
, Lambeth North
Is it not possible to propose legislation for next Session? As this has been considered for the last 20 or 30 years, and nothing has been done, is it not time that something was done?
Mr Edward Shortt
, Newcastle upon Tyne West
I was answering about the present time. The matter is under consideration.
Mr John Davison
, Smethwick
Is it not the duty of the local authorities' officials to visit these places continuously?
Mr Edward Shortt
, Newcastle upon Tyne West
That is a question which should be addressed to the Minister of Education.
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.
