The onslaught on the new tax and its withdrawal have
occupied so much attention that the other features of the Finance Bill have been rather overshadowed. But the Labour front bench did not forget to direct some of their fire at the general financial policy of the Government. Disraeli advised all politicians to read Hansard, and Dr. Dalton has evidently been taking his advice. He had unearthed some observations of Mr. Chamberlain in 193r, on the undesirability of unbalanced budgets and vast Treasury loans. In reply the Prime Minister had some caustic remarks to make on the ardour of conviction which now possesses the official Opposition when it comes to orthodox finance. In these days it is remarkable how often an exchange of weapons takes place between the two front benches. * * * *