Hamish Macdonell - some obscure odds

SOME punters might like to bet on the state of the country's finances after tomorrow's budget.
There are, however, some more entertaining and less gloomy wagers to be had.
William Hill has just published its list of Budget odds, and it includes:

ALISTAIR DARLING IS A 6/4 CHANCE WITH WILLIAM HILL TO WEAR A RED TIE to deliver the Budget - and 20/1 to wear a black one.Hills also offer - 5/2 Pink; 3/1 Blue; 20/1 Black; Green; Grey; Yellow; 33/1 Brown; White. (Predominant colour wins).

Hills are also offering 100/1 that the Chancellor announces his resignation during the Budget speech.

HOW MANY TIMES WILL HE STOP FOR A DRINK?

HILLS offer Even money that the Chancellor will pause for a sip of liquid three or more times during his speech; 3/1 that he does so TWICE; 7/2 ONCE; and 5/1 that he will not do so at all.

Also, the length of 2009 Budget speech
Under 46 mins - 7/1
46 to 50 mins - 7/2
51 to 55 mins - 4/1
56 to 60 mins - 5/1
61 to 65 mins - 6/1
66 to 70 mins - 7/1
71 to 75 mins - 8/1
76 to 80 mins - 10/1
Over 80 mins - 12/1
Last year's was 50 mins 25 secs

CHANCELLOR 5/1 TO SAY 'SORRY' IN BUDGET !
WILLIAM HILL have opened a book on the possible contents of the Budget Speech, and are offering odds of 5/1 that the Chancellor will follow his leader Gordon Brown in using the word 'sorry' during the speech. 'Sorry seems to be the hardest word for politicians, but now that Gordon Brown has used it maybe the floodgates will open!' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Mr Darling is 1/9 to remain Chancellor during 2009, and 5/1 to leave the job before the end of the year.

MR DARLING IS 1/6 TO DELIVER THE FIRST BUDGET OF 2010, but Hills offer 2/5 that George Osborne will be the NEXT Chancellor; 4/1 Ken Clarke; 10/1 Vince Cable; 20/1 Jack Straw; 25/1 David Miliband.

Hills also offer 6/4 that cigarettes go up by 12p or more; 6/5 that beer goes up by 5p per pint or more. They also offer Even money that the Chancellor will announce a VAT rate of over 17.5%. 'Most punters expect that booze and cigarettes will again be the Chancellor's targets.' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe.

How much will the chancellor raise the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes by?
Under 11p - 6/4
Exactly 11p - 9/4
Over 11p - 6/4

How much will the chancellor raise the price of a pint of beer by?
Under 4p - 7/4
Exactly 4p - 5/2
Over 4p - 6/5

What rate will the chancellor set VAT at in his budget speech?
Under 17.5% - 5/2
Exactly 17.5% - 2/1
Over 17.5% - Evs

Will the chancellor say the word "sorry" in his speech?
5/1Yes
1/9 No

ends