HC Deb 13 February 1940 vol 357 cc579-80
52. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to diminish the suspicion of profiteering and to discourage the transfer of money from Government securities to the investment market, he will propose legislation similar to that already adopted in France and Germany, to limit the payment of dividends to a lower level?

Sir J. Simon

I have made a note of the hon. Member's suggestion. I may say that I am not aware that legislation in France is quite to the effect he suggests.

Mr. Bartlett

Whether legislation in France is quite to the effect I suggested or not, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, whereas many dividends are conspicuous by their absence, there are other dividends which inevitably attract money that the Chancellor must need?

Sir J. Simon

That is the reason why I said I had made a note of the suggestion.

Sir H. Williams

Would my right hon. Friend arrange to reduce the salaries of all journalists, and put the surplus back into Government funds?