Oral Answers to Questions — China. – in the House of Commons am ar 14 Ebrill 1927.
Mr Fredric Wise
, Ilford
asked the Minister of Transport the total amount of investments and balance at the bank of the Road Fund on the 31st December, 1926?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
The total amount of investments and balance at the Bank of England of the Road Fund on the 31st December, 1926, was, approximately, £4¾ millions.
Mr Fredric Wise
, Ilford
What is the amount of the investments compared with the actual balance at the bank?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
If my hon. Friend will put down a question, I will see if I can answer it, but that is another question.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Is it the intention of the Chancellor of the exchequer to "pinch" not only the principal, but the amount of the interest as well?
Lieut-Colonel Wilfrid Ashley
, New Forest and Christchurch
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the exchequer is in his place, and can answer for himself.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
He would take yours as well.
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.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
Of a male MP, sitting on his regular seat in the House. For females, "in her place".
