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National Coal Board's Offices

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Works – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 24 Chwefror 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington 12:00, 24 Chwefror 1947

asked the Minister of Works whether the contractors recently employed at Sherwood Lodge, regional headquarters of the National Coal Board, received and complied with Circular L.R. 204/1, issued by the Material Priority Section, 51, Gracechurch Street; and, in view of the fact that many of the articles in the list of materials covered by priority certificate on the back of the form may be purchased openly in the shops, whether that list is still valid and correct.

Photo of Mr Charles Key Mr Charles Key , Poplar Bow and Bromley

The circular referred to by the hon. Member is used only in the London Region for work licensed by me, and not for work authorised by another Minister, in this instance my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power. The list of materials on the back of the torm is still valid.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

In view of the acute housing shortage, why were priorities given to Sherwood Lodge to make bureaucrats comfortable while honest citizens cannot get houses?

Photo of Mr Charles Key Mr Charles Key , Poplar Bow and Bromley

I am not aware that such priorities were given.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

But that is the Question I asked.

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.