HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 c353
53. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give, as far as he can, a pro forma Budget for the year after the cessation of hostilities in Europe.

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. It would be premature to do so at this stage.

Sir W. Smithers

Is it right to introduce Bills with such heavy commitments as those indicated in the Gracious Speech, when the Government cannot know what the post-war economic and financial position of the country will be?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman is asking for an expression of opinion instead of a statement of fact.