HC Deb 29 July 1954 vol 531 cc689-90
64. Mr. Roy Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the rate of dividend distribution by public companies in the first six months of this year as compared with the similar period for 1953.

Mr. Maudling

The figures available show that the shareholders' gross return on invested capital for the first six months of 1954 was about 6 per cent. compared with about 5.4 per cent. for the same period last year.

Mr. Jenkins

Could not the hon. Gentleman also tell us what has been the absolute increase as well as the increase relating to the amount of invested capital?

Mr. Maudling

If the hon. Gentleman would put that question on the Order Paper I would be glad to give him the information, but it would be very misleading information.