§ Sir W. Robson Brownasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of salaries and wages paid annually; what was the total amount of dividends paid by all companies: and what percentage this amount is of the total wages and salaries paid, for the years 1954 to 1959, in each case.
§ Mr. BarberThe figures are:—
— Total wages and salaries Dividends paid on ordinary and preference shares (1) Dividends as a percentage of wages and salaries £ million £ million 1954 … 9,290 631 6.8 1955 … 10,185 709 7.0 1956 … 11,090 739 6.7 1957 … 11,730 771 6.6 1958 … 12,070 800 6.6 1959 … 12,490 883 7.1 (1) Dividends paid to persons, public corporations, central and local government, life assurance and pension funds and abroad.