not easy discussing the finer points of corporation tax while the match of the day theme tune is blaring out behind you, and alison beaumont considered it very much not worth the effort. the budget was preceded as usual by days of previews, leaks and educated guesses as to what might be in it, including on tuesday's news at ten. the chancellor, jeremy hunt, is expected to announce measures to encourage more people, including younger parents, back to work in england. the current 30 hours of free childcare for three and four—year—olds will be extended. it's thought to one and two—year—olds in what's been called the centrepiece of the budget. for ted, it was all too much, too soon, he wrote.