Predict the contents of Lamont's briefcase

NOTHING is expected to leak from the Budget briefcase before Norman Lamont, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, takes the floor of the Commons on 16 March. But Coopers & Lybrand, the chartered accountants, have turned turf accountants with some racing odds on the likely contents of the Budget.

Independent readers are invited to make their own predictions.

Fill in the 'Budget predictions' form - with or without assistance from The Lamont Stakes - and you will be eligible for a Coopers & Lybrand-sponsored champagne prize, with a packet of 20 Raffles cigarettes for the runner- up.

Answer 'Yes' or 'No' to each of the 10 predictions and send your completed entry form to Budget Competition, The Independent, 40 City Road, London EC1Y 2DB.

Entries must be received by Monday 15 March. The first correct entry drawn out of our Budget bowler hat will receive 12 bottles of champagne.

The winner, who must be over 18, will be announced in the Independent on Saturday 20 March.