§ Mr. STANLEY BALDWIN(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the date on which he proposes to introduce the Budget?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENIt is rather unusual to state the date of the introduction of the Budget so far ahead, but, if 1587 I can retain the secrets of the Budget, I have no objection to doing so. Easter falls rather inconveniently for the Budget this year—just in the middle of the month—and, if the Budget were introduced after Easter, it would be the end of the month before that could be done, and, if it is introduced before, it gives very little time between the close of the financial year and its introduction. That puts inconvenience upon me. However, I have been thinking the matter over, and I have come to the conclusion to introduce it before Easter, and the date which I have fixed is Monday, the 14th April. That will give us, I think, before we rise for Easter sufficient time to get the necessary Financial Resolutions.
§ Mr. BALDWINThe right hon. Gentleman has been so courteous in giving me an answer to a question which he described as rather unusual that I am emboldened to ask him another question, and that is whether he adheres to his resolution to make no statement as to his intention with regard to the Safeguarding and the McKenna Duties until the 14th April?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat question would have been very unusual a few months ago. I certainly must adhere to the statement that I can make no disclosure as to Budget intentions before the Budget is introduced.
§ Mr. BALDWINI quite agree that a few months ago it would have been unnecessary because the state of unemployment did not make that statement necessary. In the circumstances, I beg to give notice that I shall ask for an opportunity of raising this question at an early date.