Oral Answers to Questions — Coal Mining Industry. – in the House of Commons am ar 7 Rhagfyr 1926.
Mr Frank Briant
, Lambeth North
asked the Minister of Pensions how many patients at the Saltash Pensions Hospital have discharged themselves during the last 12 months; and if he has made inquiry into the food and general condition of that institution?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY:
During the period referred to, 63 men discharged themselves against medical advice from Saltash, after an average period of stay in the institution of close upon six months. I understand that while in several of these cases the men must be regarded as practically irresponsible for their actions, most of the men discharged themselves for domestic reasons. The hospital is regularly visited by medical inspectors of the Ministry, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the feeding and general arrangements are satisfactory.
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.
