Tomorrow, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown stands up at 12.30pm for what is expected to be his eleventh and last Budget. In days gone by, the stock market would fluctuate with each and every tax change announced, depending on where those changes would hit hardest. For example, if duty on alcohol was ramped up, the share prices of drinks companies in the FTSE would get hammered.

It was then decided that the Budget would start once the stock market had closed to prevent gambling instincts prevailing in punting on likely winners and losers arising from the speech.

It is a sad indictment of the current Chancellor's tenure that his speeches now take place without incident during stock market trading hours. Each year, I tune in to watch, with one eye on my trading screen, only to hear self-congratulatory forecasts having been met, subject to changing variables. I keep waiting for the nitty-gritty in the speech, but usually have to wait until the next day to find out what changes have been made. As always, the devil is in the detail, in the written Budget report.

Income tax rates have changed little in recent years; last year's receipts totalled £146bn, out of a total tax take of £518bn. The areas that have seen significant increases, though, have been national insurance raising £89bn and council tax raising £23bn. VAT receipts are also sizeable at £76bn.

The word Budget comes from an old French word bougette, which meant little bag. The French connection comes in due to the fact that the Exchequer dates back to William the Conqueror and the establishment of the Treasury.

The Budget box, or Gladstone box, has been used to carry the Chancellor's speech from No 11 to the house for more than 100 consecutive years. The wooden box was hand crafted for William Ewart Gladstone, lined in black satin and covered in scarlet leather. Lord Callaghan was the first Chancellor to break with tradition in 1965 when he used a newer box.

In July 1997, Gordon Brown became the second Chancellor to use a new box for the Budget. The new box is made of yellow pine, with a brass handle and lock, covered in scarlet leather and embossed with the royal initials and crest and the Chancellor's title.

As little detail is revealed in the House of Commons, one of the main interests among many of the City boys is taking a spread bet on the length of the Chancellor's speech.

The longest Budget speech is believed to have been by the aforementioned William Gladstone, on 18th April 1853, lasting a staggering 4 hours and 45 minutes. Gordon Brown shared the record for the shortest speed in 2005, with Benjamin Disraeli at 45 minutes on April 4, 1867.

One of the quirks of the Budget is that Chancellors can refresh themselves with alcoholic drinks during their speech. No other member may do this. Gordon Brown, however, opts for natural Scottish mineral water.

One of the hopes for the Budget is the abolition of stamp duty on share purchases. The investment industry in the UK is only wanting a fair playing field. It seems unfair that other countries operate without what is effectively a further tax on saving. We live in hope.

* Anthony Platts is an assistant director in the Teesside office of Wise Speke, and can be contacted on 01642-608855. Views expressed are the author's own and are not necessarily held throughout the Brewin Dolphin Group. Wise Speke is a division of Brewin Dolphin Securities Ltd, a member of the London Stock Exchange, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prices, values or income may fall against investors' interests. You should be aware that you may get less back than you invested. Investments may not always be suitable for all individuals. If you have any doubts, you should consult a professional advisor.