What is the difference between a 'minister' and 'Secretary of State' in the UK? I wonder

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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Hi,

I looked up both words in a few dictionaries, but the explanation was the same. I would like to know @Alan if you know the difference between ‘minister’ and ‘Secretary of State’?

Thanks in advance.

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The Secretary of State is the head of a particular department and the ministers look after certain special areas but are answerable to the Secretary. Here in the UK we have a Secretary of State for Education. He/she is the boss, the top banana. Under her/him we have a minister for schools, a minister for further education and a minister for higher education, The same system applies to all government departments, where separate areas of work are allocated to ministers.

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Thank you Alan for making this clear to me.

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