Oral Answers to Questions — Germany – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 3 Tachwedd 1947.
Hon. Oliver Stanley
, Bristol West
12:00,
3 Tachwedd 1947
asked the Minister of Food whether he has received any recent report on the progress and prospects of the East African groundnuts scheme; and whether he proposes to publish it.
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Yes, Sir. The managing agents who are operating this scheme present a progress report every calendar month and the report for September has been received. These reports go into great detail, and are not suitable for publication. My right hon. Friend, however, is making a review of the progress of the scheme and will make a statement in the House on the subject soon.
Hon. Oliver Stanley
, Bristol West
Is the Minister aware that as far back as last April the House was promised that a report on this scheme would be published in September? Would it not be more convenient, in view of the fact that we are to debate this matter on Thursday, that, the original undertaking should be carried out?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
Certainly we made a promise, and we expect to fulfil it, but the report has only just reached us, and I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend will make a statement, and I will convey the matter to him.
Hon. Oliver Stanley
, Bristol West
It, as the hon. Lady says, monthly progress reports are obtained, could we not have had the last monthly progress report up to September?
Dr Edith Summerskill
, Fulham West
One would naturally think that the House would like the latest report.
| CHANGES IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF THE MAJOR FOODSTUFFS BETWEEN 5TH APRIL AND 31ST OCTOBBR, 1947, HAVE BEEN AS FOLLOW: | |||||
| Price at 5th April, 1947. | Price at 31st October, 1947. | Increase (+) Decrease (-) over 5th April, price. | |||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | d | |
| Bacon (various cuts), per lb. | 1 | 2 | 11 | (-)3 | |
| 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | (-)4 | |
| Butter, per lb. | 1 | 6 | 1 | 4 | (-)2 |
| Eggs (categories I and II), per doz. | 1 | 9 | 1 | 6 | (-)3 |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | (-)3 | |
| Jam and Marmalade, per lb. | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1½ | (+)1½ |
| 1 | 4 | 1 | 6½ | (+)2½ | |
| Milk, per quart | 9 | 10 | (+)1 | ||
| Sugar, per lb. | 4 | 3 | (-)1 | ||
| Tea (all varieties other than China and Formosa) | Increased by 4d. per lb. | (+)4 | |||
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.
