Definition of the word parliamentary undersecretary

The term "parliamentary undersecretary" can be traced back to the establishment of the British Parliamentary system. In the 19th century, the UK government was composed mainly of ministers, who were responsible for making major policy decisions. Subordinate officials, known as parliamentary secretaries, were appointed to assist the ministers in performing their duties. Later, in the early 20th century, politically appointed parliamentary undersecretaries were introduced into the UK government to provide additional support to ministers and parliamentary secretaries. Undersecretaries were typically junior politicians, who were not full members of the Cabinet but were appointed to oversee specific areas of government policy. The title "parliamentary undersecretary" offered an intermediate position between a minister and a junior minister, with the role of assisting and advising the minister in charge of the department. They also took on significant decision-making authority within their area of expertise, particularly in the absence of the minister. Overall, the role of a parliamentary undersecretary has evolved over time to reflect changes in the UK political system, with a greater emphasis on policy implementation and implementation after their creation in 1916. It is now a common feature of the Westminster-style parliamentary systems found in many Commonwealth nations, where it reflects a tradition of effective and efficient governance based on the efficient use of human resources.