21 MARCH 1952, Page 5

It is hardly surprising that the Chancellor of the Exchequer

referred to the News Chronicle Gallup poll in his winding-up speech on Monday, for the results of the enquiry into the com- mon man's reaction to the Budget are striking. Of those questioned 62 per cent. thought the Budget fair, 30 per cent. thought it unfair and 8 per cent. had no opinion. What is almost more striking, 41 per cent. of the Socialists questioned thought it fair. Gallup polls are, of course, not infallible, but they have shown themselves remarkably accurate in the past. if this particular poll is up to standard Mr. Butler can put a good many anxieties from him.