HC Deb 04 March 1952 vol 497 cc206-7
50. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will follow the precedent of the late Government and publish a popular illustrated summary of his Budget proposals and the effect of re-armament and economy cuts on the national life.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The question of publishing some popular account of Budget problems and measures is now under consideration, but it is too early to say definitely what can be done.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous Government published a very simple, interesting pamphlet called "The Budget and Your Pocket" and that it would help me to explain his Budget to the farmers in my constituency if he published a pamphlet of that kind illustrated by Low?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Member had better wait till he sees what is in my Budget before he asks for that.

Captain Richard Pilkington

Would not an illustrated summary of the late Government's financial policy be an example of the worst sort of "comics"?

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does the Chancellor's original answer mean that he does not envisage the possibility of any popular summary of his Budget being published?