Budget Statement (Hansard, 15 March 1983)

§ Mr. David Ennals (Norwich, North)
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I gave you notice this morning that I wished to raise a point of order on the extensive leaks of this afternoon's Budget statement, about which—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Perhaps I may save the right hon. Gentleman's time. No one can tell yet whether there has been a leak—at least, I cannot tell. It is not a matter for me whether, as we shall discover as time advances, there has been a leak.

§ Mr. Ennals
Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. One well-known journalist, on the front page of The Standard today, said: At Westminster, MPs were speculating whether Sir Geoffrey could have many surprises left with the Treasury already leaking the general shape of the tax package. I submit—[Interruption.]

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The House must be patient for a moment so that we can discover whether there is a point of order on which I can rule.

§ Mr. Ennals
I submit, Mr. Speaker, that when we have heard the Chancellor of the Exchequer's speech we shall know whether the extensive leaks of the past three days were true. The example that I have in mind is the suggested increase from £25,000 to £35,000 in the amount of mortgage eligible for tax relief.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. That is not a point of order with which I can deal.

§ Mr. Ennals
rose—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The House should now be allowed to continue.