Philip Hammond (Shadow Chief Secretary To the Treasury, Treasury; Runnymede & Weybridge, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. Cook. I apologise for interrupting proceedings, but members of the Committee have just heard the Chancellor announce a proposed package of amendments to the Budget provisions on income tax changes. He told the House that the proposals would be introduced through the medium of the Finance Bill, which we are considering. Can the Minister advise the Committee at what stage the Government will introduce such proposals? Will they be tabled as new clauses or amendments to the Bill while it is being discussed in Committee, given that we have already dealt with the relevant clause, or does she intend not to release the proposals in detail until the Bill is discussed on Report? As members of the Committee will know, there is a great deal of public interest in the issue, and an important event is taking place next week. Given the gap between statements and the detail that has followed in the past, it would be greatly for the convenience of the Committee and the public if we could have the detailed proposals in the form of written amendments or new clauses to the Bill at the earliest possible opportunity.

Frank Cook (Stockton North, Labour)

I have allowed the hon. Gentleman to register such an issue. It is not a point of order for the Chair, but perhaps the Minister wants to make an observation.

Jane Kennedy (Financial Secretary, HM Treasury; Liverpool, Wavertree, Labour)

There might be at least one new clause. Our intention is to bring it forward as early as possible to enable Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the employer systems that work through pay-as-you-earn to respond quickly to today’s announcement. However, we have yet to consider the most appropriate form of amendment, and we undertake to let hon. Members know such details as soon as possible.