THE CONTROL OF MONEY 165

been known only to the Cabinet, and to those public servants
who have assisted the Chancellor or had charge of the printing
of the necessary papers. In 1936 a scandal occurred because
some of the proposals were revealed in advance to private people
who made money out of their knowledge. The event is without
parallel in modem times; the swift inquiry into the facts and
the ending of the political career of the Minister held to be
responsible were proof of the high standard of morality in regard
to public money. No Civil Servants were involved in the scandal.

Documents and financial tables are provided to make clear to
MJP.s the more complicated parts of the speech; but even so
they cannot discuss it properly at once. Leaders of the Opposition
parties, ex-Chancellors of the Exchequer, and a few other
Members make brief comments; the Resolutions having, under
the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, the force of law, are
passed, and the House turns, for the time, to other business.
In the days that follow, the Budget proposals are discussed in
detail and finally become law as the Finance Act.

The Budget presented by Sir John Simon in April, 1938,
was as follows:—

Estimated Revenue for 1938-1939.

Inland Revenue:— £

Income Tax....... 341,250,000

Surtax....... 62,000,000

Estate Duties . , . . . . 88,000,000

Stamps....... 24,000,000

National Defence Contribution . . . 20,000,000

Other Inland Revenue Duties . . . 1,250,000

TOTAL INLAND REVENUE.....536,500,000

Customs . . . . . . 227,950,000

Excise.......116,150,000

TOTAL CUSTOMS AND EXCISE . 344,100,000