§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have increased their dividends since 20th 124W July, 1966; how many of these consulted the Treasury; how many of these had his agreement; and if he will tabulate the reasons in these cases.
§ Mr. MacDermotUp to 13th March, 1967, 1,255 companies announced unchanged, 490 announced decreased and 185 announced proposed increased dividends. About 50 rescinded their proposed increases. Fifteen increased their dividends due to a misunderstanding about the precise application of the standstill policy in their particular cases. The reasons cannot be tabulated.