§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs whether he is aware that the F.P.A. Construction Group Limited paid to their directors emoluments, fees and management expenses f10,600 in the year ended 31st December, 1965, for a period of 14 months, whereas for the 12 months ended 31st December, 1966, the amount was £11,798; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain to what extent these payments contravened the Government's wages, salaries and prices policy.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeI am satisfied that the increased remuneration paid to the Group's directors in 1966 was not contrary to the requirements of the standstill.
Our inquiries show that the increase was due to the acquisition of a substantial company by the Group during the latter part of 1965 which resulted in an addition to the directors' remuneration which was paid before the start of the standstill.