§ Sir P. PILDITCHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the forthcoming Supplementary Estimates for several Departments, he proposes to make a statement to the House, as he did in October, 1919, dealing with the effect of such Supplementary Estimates upon the working out of the Budget of this year and so giving the House an opportunity of reviewing, as a whole, the trend of national expenditure whilst such review may be effective?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe circumstances last year were wholly exceptional,400W and I do not think it is necessary or desirable to attempt every autumn a revision of the Budget. I have already said that, but for the strike, I should have seen no reason to revise my general Budget expectations; and it is too early yet to forecast with any accuracy the effect of the strike on my calculations.
§ Mr. WALLACEasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, having regard to the reduced revenue from Excess Profits Duty and the growing expenditure of the Government, he will grant a day for the discussion of the country's financial position?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not understand what my hon. Friend means by speaking of the reduced revenue from Excess Profits Duty, as I am informed there is no reason, if the coal strike is settled, to believe that the Budget estimate of £215,000,000 (reduced by concessions from £220,000,000) for revenue from Excess Profits Duty during the current financial year will not be approximately realised. Nor can I pass unchallenged the implication of the phrase "the growing expenditure of the Government." As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated on the 19th October, there was nothing in the situation before the coal strike to require the presentation of a revised financial statement. Opportunity for discussing particular forms of expenditure will arise on the Supplementary Estimates to be presented shortly, but if there should be a general desire for a discussion of the financial position, I have no doubt that time can be found for it.