HC Deb 15 December 1970 vol 808 cc1094-5
7. Mr. Michael Shaw

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date he proposes to present his Budget for 1971–72.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Anthony Barber)

I must ask my hon. Friend to wait for an announcement at the appropriate time.

Mr. Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although this might be regarded as the usual Answer to the usual Question, there is far more than the usual interest in his first Budget? Is he further aware that there is a widespread confidence that this will prove to be the first of a series of Conservative Budgets which during the period of this Parliament will seek to simplify the tax system—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—and reduce the weight of taxation which over the last six years has grown far too high?

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is not the Budget debate. Questions must be brief.

Mr. Barber

My hon. Friend may say that this is the usual Treasury Answer to the usual Question. Perhaps I could point out that my background note says, "It is not clear what, if anything, lies behind Mr. Shaw's question." But I hope my hon. Friend will think that on taxation we have made a good start in our short period of office, and we shall hope to do better in the years to come.

Mr. Barnett

On that part of the right hon. Gentleman's Budget which he has already announced, does the Chancellor of the Exchequer agree with those independent commentators who have said that they disagree with him that it is being neutral on demand? Does he wish in any way to modify what he said previously, in view of the additional public expenditure which has been announced since?

Mr. Barber

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to what I said previously about the effect of those measures on demand. I agree with those people who say that to have cut the standard rate of income tax and to have cut the rate of corporation tax, in each case for the first time in eleven years, at least is an advance on the taxation policy of the previous Government.