Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 9:38 pm on 28 March 2006.

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Photo of Des Browne Des Browne Chief Secretary, HM Treasury, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury 9:38, 28 March 2006

We have had four days of comprehensive and informative debate—at least until the last 20 minutes. It is a pleasure to respond to the debate, and I shall endeavour to deal with as many points raised by hon. Members as I can in the time left to me.

Last Wednesday, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor stood here and spoke for an hour or more on the specific policy implications of the Budget. He was responded to by the Leader of the Opposition, who shouted from the Dispatch Box for all of eight minutes. As I sat here—