§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many instances he has approved increases in the total value of company distributions in excess of 3½ per cent.; and by what authority he has now required Lesney Limited to reduce its dividend compared with the previous financial year.
§ Mr. Harold LeverNone, other than increases in accordance with the guidance given in Cmnd. 3590, details of which were given in reply to Questions from the hon. Member on 20th March and from my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 11th March. Lesney Products and Company Limited have been asked to limit the total ordinary dividend for 1968–69 to not more than 3½ per cent. above the amount distributed for the preceding year. The basis for addressing such requests to companies is set out in Cmnd. 3590.—[Vol. 780, c.139; Vol. 779, c. 253.]