§ 57. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the widespread anxiety in many industries with regard to the Budget, he will arrange to open it before the Easter Recess?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENI am not in a position to-day to announce the date of the Budget, but I hope to be able to do so shortly.
§ Sir A. POWNALLis the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware of the precedent set nine years ago by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer who announced that he intended to repeal the Excess Profits Duty—a statement made to allay anxiety among traders; and could not the right hon. Gentleman make a similar statement two or three months before the Budget, as was done nine years ago?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat does not arise out of the question, which is confined to asking me when I propose to introduce the Budget.