§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government's policy of allowing companies to increase dividends above the norm as a defensive measure against unwelcome take-over bids applies in the case of the News of the World Limited; and to what extent above the norm he will allow this company to increase their dividends for this purpose.
§ Mr. DiamondIn principle, yes. Consent to any particular dividend increase would depend upon a company applying to the Treasury and on examination of its individual circumstances.