§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will define the distinction which he draws between bear-contracted obligations, and other forecasts, respectively, in assessing whether or not to approve increases in distributions by public companies;
(2) if he will define the difference he draws for the purpose of his proposed dividend control between a specific statement by a public company intended to induce the subscription of new cash and a published forecast of total distributions by a public company issued at the time of the placing of share capital in the hands of outsider investors.
§ Mr. DiamondPublished guidance has been given on the definition of firm pre-Budget commitments for purposes of the scheme of voluntary dividend restraint. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I would consider it.