§ 31. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the hon. Member for Hythe (Sir Philip Sassoon) is reported to have given particulars of the Budget proposals in a speech made one hour before the official announcement in the House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and whether any steps have been taken to prevent in future the premature divulgence of information which might affect business transactions?
§ 34. Mr. KENNEDYasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that at 3 p.m. on Monday last, before the Budget statements were made, the hon. Member for Hythe announced to a meeting of women supporters of the Coalition at Folkestone that the duty on tea was to be reduced by 4d., and also indicated other items in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement; and whether the hon. Member was officially supplied with this information and with the authority to make the announcement in anticipation of the Chancellor's statement?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend proposes to ask leave to make a personal statement upon this subject at the close of questions. I feel sure that the House will await his explanation.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Sir PHILIP SASSOONWith your permission, Mr. Speaker, and the leave of the House, I should like to make a personal statement. It is with very deep regret that I realised last Monday night that in my remarks at a small meeting that afternoon at Folkestone, I had anticipated by a brief period some part of the information contained in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget Statement. I had, of course, no sort of authority to make any reference to the Budget, and, indeed, I should not have alluded to it had I not thought my remarks would 1556 practically synchronise with the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House. I am very sorry for this indiscretion, which a moment's thought would have prevented me from committing, and I tender my very sincere apologies to the House for doing so. My great regret that I should have made reference to matters of this character before they were communicated to the House of Commons is increased by the thought that in doing so I may, unwittingly, have shown discourtesy to the House.
§ Mr. SPEAKERDiscussion does not arise on a personal explanation.
Mr. JONESI protest, [HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down!"] This is the thieves' kitchen. (Interruption.) Why should these people allow——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Clerk will now proceed to read the Orders of the Day.