Did you know? Facts about the budget
The longest Budget speech is believed to have been by William Gladstone on 18 April 1853, lasting four hours and forty five minutes.
Benjamin Disraeli is said to hold the record for the shortest speech, at forty-five minutes on 4 April 1867.
Gladstone not only holds the record for the longest Budget speech, but he was also the longest-serving chancellor - serving for 12 years and four months.
The Budget Report is also known as 'the Red Book' (named after the traditional colour of its cover).
The Chancellor is traditionally allowed an alcoholic drink while delivering his speech - this is the only time that alcohol is allowed in the Chamber, though not all Chancellors choose to take advantage.
Alistair Darling chose to drink tap water as he delivered his first Budget in support of the Evening Standard's Water on Tap campaign to make tap water freely available in restaurants and bars but other Chancellors have chosen:
- whisky (Kenneth Clarke)
- gin and tonic (Geoffrey Howe)
- brandy and water (Benjamin Disraeli)
- spritzer (Nigel Lawson)
- sherry and beaten egg (William Gladstone)