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Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

It is a great honour to be invited to open this final day of the Budget debate and to set out the steps we are taking in my Department to support families and public services. I was disappointed to discover, just five minutes ago, that the shadow Education Secretary will not be replying to this debate after all, but may I say how pleased I am that the reply will instead be made by the right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), the shadow Business Secretary, who is someone of long experience? As a former Chancellor, Health Secretary and Education Secretary, he will know all about the dilemmas of making the sums add up and protecting front-line services—or not. I can think of nobody better to guide me, the House and the shadow Education Secretary on some of the choices before our country.