§ Mr. TOBINasked 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 MINISTERA 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 CHAMBERLAINAre 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 MINISTERThat is a phrase which I never used, and which I never authorised.
§ Lord HUGH CECILDoes the right hon. Gentleman repudiate responsibility for the utterances of his colleagues?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that we must wait and see.
Mr. STANLEY WILSONAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has accepted the orders which were given to him yesterday in Tipperary?
§ Lord HUGH CECILWill the Ministers, whose language the right hon. Gentleman repudiates, continue to form part of his Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know to whom the Noble Lord refers.
§ Lord HUGH CECILThe Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. LONSDALEWill the right hon. Gentleman on the Motion in respect of the Budget fix a date for the Third Reading?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member had better wait and see.
§ Earl WINTERTONasked 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 MINISTERI cannot at present name a date for the introduction of the Budget 1910–11.
§ Earl WINTERTONHaving 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 MINISTERI can only repeat the answer which I have already given. The Noble Lord must wait and see.
§ Lord CLAUD HAMILTONasked 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 MINISTERNo promises of any kind have to my knowledge been made.