THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIt is of the utmost importance that no unnecessary delay should take place in making the annual financial statement. At present the only Votes that have been taken are Votes on account, and I am afraid that Votes on account in Supply are hardly a sufficient authority for going into Committee of Ways and Means. But if my right hon. Friends make progress tonight and on Friday with the Votes for the great services, I should propose then to make the financial statement on this day week. I had fixed this day week for the second reading of the East India Bill. Of course, it will now be necessary to make another arrangement with respect to that measure; hut I should certainly propose the second reading on the earliest day possible after the financial statement has been made.