HC Deb 27 April 1931 vol 251 cc1391-416
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)

It is the usual practice to open the Budget Speech with a review of the income and expenditure and the debt operations of the previous year. With the indulgence, I hope, of the Committee—[H0N. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]—I have this year substituted for the usual oral report on these matters a printed statement which hon. Members already have in their hands. I hope the Committee will approve of this innovation, which I have adopted to lighten my task in the circumstances and which also will have the advantage of relieving the Committee from the boredom of a recital of dry facts with which they are in the main already familiar. It will also have the advantage of bringing nearer that part of the Budget Statement in which the Committee are really interested. The Memorandum with the Blue Paper may be regarded as part of the Budget Speech and taken as read, and with the permission of Mr. Speaker, will be printed as a part of my speech in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The CHAIRMAN

I am sure we all deplore the reasons for this suggestion. The matter has been referred to Mr. Speaker, and Mr. Speaker approves, and I think every hon. and right hon. Gentleman in the Committee will approve; but I must lay it down definitely and clearly that it must not be taken as a precedent on any future occasion.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Thank you.

Following is the printed statement:

  1. REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1930–31.
      2. cc1391-2
    1. OUT-TURN. 199 words
      2. cc1392-4
    2. REVENUE. 609 words
      3. c1394
    3. EXPENDITURE. 198 words
      4. c1395
    4. NATIONAL DEBT. 291 words
      5. cc1395-8
    5. DEBT POSITION. 835 words
      6. cc1398-400
    6. ESTIMATE OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE. 988 words
      7. c1400
    7. SAVINGS CERTIFICATES. 104 words
      8. c1401
    8. ROAD FUND. 56 words
      9. c1401
    9. MOTOR BICYCLES. 91 words
      10. cc1401-2
    10. DEDUCTION OF INCOME TAX FROM DIVIDENDS. 242 words
      11. c1402
    11. COLLECTORS OF TAXES. 209 words
      12. cc1402-4
    12. ADDITIONAL REVENUE REQUIRED. 563 words
      13. cc1404-5
    13. EXCHANGE ACCOUNT. 566 words
      14. cc1405-7
    14. INCOME TAX (ALTERATION OF INSTALMENTS). 657 words
      15. cc1407-8
    15. OIL DUTY. 354 words
      16. c1408
    16. BALANCE SHEET. 194 words
      17. cc1408-9
    17. SUMMARY. 349 words
      18. cc1409-11
    18. LAND VALUES. 796 words
      19. cc1411-3
    19. INCOME TAX (INCREASE OF CUSTOMS DUTY ON HYDROCARBON OILS). 814 words
      20. cc1413-4
    20. INCOME TAX (CHARGE OF TAX). 159 words
      21. c1414
    21. HIGHER RATES OF INCOME TAX FOR 1930–31. 92 words
      22. c1414
    22. DEDUCTION OF TAX ON DIVIDENDS. 231 words
      23. c1414
    23. PAYMENT OF INCOME TAX BY INSTALMENTS. 88 words
      24. cc1415-6
    24. AMENDMENT OF LAW. 76 words
      25. c1416
    25. ADJOURNMENT. 17 words