HC Deb 21 November 1967 vol 754 cc1123-4
25. Dr. David Kerr

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will in future indicate to the House the broad principles on which he proposes to frame his Budget proposals for the ensuing year, in order to allow more constructive discussion of their effects to be conducted.

Mr. Callaghan

The broad objectives to which the next Budget will be directed can be inferred from the statement I gave the House yesterday. On particular proposals, confidentiality is important, and that is a limiting factor in the area of discussion.

Dr. Kerr

I foresaw that rather platitudinous Answer. Will my right hon. Friend have another think about the usefulness of pre-legislation discussions by back benchers, particularly on the broad matters which he acknowledges are not subject to confidentiality?

Mr. Callaghan

I regret the platitudes, though, on the whole, I am rather glad to get back to a few bromides. I am aware that there is a great deal of discussion about budgetary principles and proposals. From this season onwards, the Chancellor is always subjected to a great many representations and a good deal of advice, most of which he does not take. Perhaps that is wrong, but he does not. If there is any particular matter on which my hon. Friend would like a discussion, it can, no doubt, be arranged.