HC Deb 06 April 1948 vol 449 cc16-7
34. Mr. Erroll

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the popularity of the short version of the Economic Survey, he will have prepared a similar popular edition of the Budget.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I hope it may be possible to publish a booklet dealing in simple terms with the Budget and the White Paper on the National Income soon after Budget day.

Mr. Erroll

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any steps have already been taken in the preparation of this book?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Of course they have. It is hoped to publish it soon after Budget day, which happens to be today.

Mr. Erroll

Does that mean that the Budget has already been revealed to the Central Office of Information?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I think it is common sense that preparations can be made to a given end without necessarily giving away anything which should not be given away.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Can my right hon. Friend indicate whether, if such an edition were published, it would really be popular?