§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has held that it would contravene the terms of the Counter-Inflation (Temporary Provisions) Act for Blackwood Hodge Limited to pay an interim dividend which precisely repeats that paid in 1971; and if he will take steps to compensate individuals who have dealt in the shares of this company since 19th September on the assumption that the interim dividend announced on that date would be paid.
§ Mr. NottThe company did not declare a dividend in the period 6th November 1971–27th February 1972 and is therefore precluded from declaring any dividend during the period of standstill; no question of compensation arises.