§ Mr. J. G. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether it was still his intention to pass the Budget through this House before the House adjourned for the Spring Recess?
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESWhen the right hon. Gentleman replies, will he state what he means by the "Spring Recess"? Does he mean a recess extending from 15th April to Whitsuntide; if not, what other period does he mean?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid it must be what in ecclesiastical language is called a "movable feast." I should not like at the moment to commit myself to a precise date. April 15th is certainly not necessarily the day on which the recess will begin.
In reply to the question on the Paper, as I stated on Monday, in answer to the Leader of the Opposition, there has been no change in the intention of the Government, announced on the first night of the Session, to ask the House to assent to the Budget before, it adjourns for the Spring Recess. Our intention is—subject of course to unforeseen contingencies—to ask the House to dispose of the Budget as soon as the Resolutions relating to the House of Lords have been passed through the House of Commons.
§ Mr. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to embody the Budget proposals for the two years in one Finance Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot give an answer about that at the moment.
§ Lord HUGH CECILIs it the intention of the Government to bring in a Finance Bill without doubt?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think my answer is perfectly explicit.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECan the right hon. Gentleman adumbrate the first business after the Whitsuntide recess?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be premature to do so at this moment.
§ Mr. J. G. BUTCHERIf unforeseen circumstances should arise, will the right hon. Gentleman promptly inform the House of any change in his intentions?