Company Dividends and Profits

HC Deb 01 March 1955 vol 537 cc237-8W

10. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that his policy of requesting companies to adopt a voluntary restraint in the distribution of higher dividends has not met with a favourable response; and whether he will therefore introduce legislation to control the issue of company dividends and share bonuses.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I do not accept the implication of the first part of the Question; the answer to the second part is No.

25. Mr. John McKay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total earnings of companies, the net amount after taxation, and the percentage of net earnings to national income each year from 1946 to 1954 after Profits Tax; and what were the total dividends and the undistributed profits in each year, separately.

Mr. R. A. Butler

For the years 1946 to 1953,I would refer the hon. Member to the Blue Book "National Income and Expenditure 1946–53" and in particular to Table 23 on page 38–39 and the notes on page 84. Figures for 1954 are not yet available.