§ 9. Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his practice to present a provisional Budget Statement in December with a series of fiscal options for Parliament to consider.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweAs the hon. Member knows, Budget procedures are being studied by the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee. I await the report of the Committee with interest.
§ Mr. WainwrightDoes the Chancellor of the Exchequer agree, especially in the light of his recent experience with table 9 of the Budget press realease, that considerations of tax, social security and energy are now so complex and closely interrelated that even he needs a wider dialogue before reaching firm conclusions to put to the House?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI suspect that if some people have found it difficult to follow the tables describing one 961 option, it might compound confusion even more if we were to offer more than one option at the same time. The present method has commended itself to the House over a number of years. It enables the House to concentrate on the plans that are laid before it by the Government. I look forward with interest to see whether the Select Committee will suggest an alternative approach.
§ Mr. DykesIn view of our tradition of the once-a-year principal Budget, will my right hon. and learned Friend say what has been the main modification in monetary policy in Tuesday's announcement?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI have already answered that question in the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Mr. Eggar).