HC Deb 04 April 1910 vol 16 cc25-6
Mr. TOBIN

asked the Prime Minister whether it is still the intention of the Government to introduce the Finance Bill without the alteration of a comma, in the sense that no alterations of substance are contemplated, but only such formal changes as have been rendered necessary by the postponement of its introduction?

The PRIME MINISTER

A full statement of the alterations contemplated in the Budget of last year will be made before the House is asked to assent to it.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's statement that it is no longer the intention of the Government to carry the Budget without the alteration of a comma?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is a phrase which I never used, and which I never authorised.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Does the right hon. Gentleman repudiate responsibility for the utterances of his colleagues?

Mr. PEEL

Will the contemplated changes affect the question of Irish finance?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid that we must wait and see.

Mr. STANLEY WILSON

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has accepted the orders which were given to him yesterday in Tipperary?

Lord HUGH CECIL

Will the Ministers, whose language the right hon. Gentleman repudiates, continue to form part of his Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know to whom the Noble Lord refers.

Lord HUGH CECIL

The Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. LONSDALE

Will the right hon. Gentleman on the Motion in respect of the Budget fix a date for the Third Reading?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. Member had better wait and see.

Earl WINTERTON

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce the financial provisions for the year 1910–11 immediately after the Spring Recess?

The PRIME MINISTER

I cannot at present name a date for the introduction of the Budget 1910–11.

Earl WINTERTON

Having regard to the natural anxiety of those about to be taxed, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to give the date before the rising for the Spring Recess?

The PRIME MINISTER

I can only repeat the answer which I have already given. The Noble Lord must wait and see.

Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

asked the Prime Minister if he has promised any concessions to the Irish Nationalist party in respect of the land and spirit clauses of the Budget; and, if so, when he will be prepared to announce them to the House?

The PRIME MINISTER

No promises of any kind have to my knowledge been made.