§ 16. Mr. Costainasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that the Inland Revenue does not cause close companies to declare higher dividends than are consistent with the Government's policy of dividend restraint.
§ Mr. Harold LeverNo special steps are required.
§ Mr. CostainDoes not the Financial Secretary accept that there is confusion in different policies involved here? What steps will he take to see that they do not conflict with each other?
§ Mr. LeverThere is in fact no conflict between provisions relating to close companies and the Government request for dividend restraint by publicly quoted companies for reasons which have emerged in the creation of this set-up.