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Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Of course, Madam Deputy Speaker. From now on, I shall refer to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath rather than to Gordon. There was not a word in the Budget speech about education reform, and nothing about public service reform or how the Chancellor will make sure that our tax money reaches the front line. The only mention of city academies in the entire Budget speech, despite the briefing to the newspapers, was the promise to remove VAT restrictions so that their facilities can be used by the community. It is a great idea. We proposed it, and the Chancellor has now accepted it.