16 APRIL 1927, Page 1

* * The duty on tobacco is raised from 8s.

2d. to 8s. 10d. a lb. The Customs and Excise Duty on matches is raised about 20 per cent. Wines containing more than 25 degrees of proof spirit arc to pay 8s. a gallon and those containing less than 25 degrees of proof spirit 3s. a gallon, the Empire rates being 4s. and 2s. respectively. Hitherto tyres have been excepted from the McKenna duties on motor-cars and accessories, but in future they will pay the ad valorem duty of 33i per cent. Revenue from permanently legitimate sources provides only 1803,000,000 of Mr. Churchill's estimated expenditure of (excluding the additional payment to the Sinking Fund) £818,000,000. What, then, is to save us but the sternest economy '? Much depends, even so, upon the revival of trade which in its turn depends upon industrial peace. The Government's way of preparing for this necessary condition is the Trade Unions Bill ! We have discussed the Budget in our first leading article.