PUBLIC FINANCES

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 85, 10 April 1935, Page 12

PUBLIC FINANCES

THE PAST YEAE

BUDGET SATISFACTORY

"WINDFALL" RECEIPTS

■ An announcement that the financial year just ended closed with the public finances in a satisfactory condition was made by the Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. *J. G. Coates) today.

Speaking at the official opening 'of the new Prudential building, the Minister said that he was pleased, to be able to announce that the outcome of last, year's Budget was very satisfactory, mainly because of "windfall" receipts that would not recur. The year closed-with a substantial surplus which had materially reduced the accumulated deficits carried forward for the years 1931-32 and 1933-34. "I regret that I am unable to announqe any figures of the revenue and expenditure' at present, as the clearingup transactions for the year through the books of the Treasury have not yet been completed and when this work is finished the accounts have to be audited," Mr. Coates said. "However, Mr. Hamilton will be able to issue a statement later."

Mr. Coates expressed his thanks to all the Ministers of the Crown, departmental officers, and members of the public who had assisted him during the year. The public had been entirely reasonable and fair. There had been minor criticisms which were welcomed, but it was the attitude of faith in the future that had counted. Considerable help had been given under trying circumstances and the attitude of the public' was greatly appreciated by the Government.