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Budget - The Statement
Different sections of the speech will be drafted by various officials . The Chancellor will then take these drafts and amend the text to suit his particular style. The speech will begin with an overall review of the government's economic policy and an assessment of the past and future performance of the economy. The Chancellor then turns to his main spending and taxation announcements, often saving the most eagerly awaited, such as those relating to income tax, to the end. Although most Chancellors look forward to their performances with some trepidation they are traditionally fortified with the knowledge that their speeches are conventionally heard without interruption. They are also permitted a more tangible aid to stamina. The Chancellor is allowed an alcoholic drink while delivering his speech - this is the only time that alcohol is allowed in the Chamber, though not all Chancellors have chosen to take advantage of this. It is said that Gordon Brown may forego the privilege, as Stafford Cripps and James Callaghan did before him. They opted for plain and tonic water respectively. Some Chancellors have opted for something stronger: Disraeli is said to have had a brandy with water, while Gladstone preferred sherry with a beaten egg. Denis Healey favoured brandy and water, Sir Geoffrey Howe a gin and tonic and Nigel Lawson a 'spritzer' (white wine and sparkling water). Norman Lamont and Kenneth Clarke enjoyed a 'wee dram' when they respectively froze and cut the duty on Scotch whisky. The length of the statement has also varied widely between Chancellors and some have endured severe interruptions. The shortest statement was Disraeli's (45 minutes) in 1867, and the longest was Gladstone's in 1853 (4 hours 45 minutes). |
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