§ Mr. Ron Thomasasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange to publish from information available to him in the Official Report the average increase—or decrease—in company profits for the latest year available in comparison with the previous year.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesThe estimated increases in the gross trading profits of industrial and commercial companies between the years ended 30th September 1976 and 30th September 1977 are as follows:
Before deducting stock appreciation Per cent. After deducting stock appreciation Per cent. All companies 25.0 40.0 —excluding North Sea Oil and Gas 15.0 25.0 Source: National Accounts statistics.
Notes:
- 1. The figures in the above table relate to the profits of all industrial and commercial companies arising from United Kingdom activities. No information is readily available on average company profits but the increases are likely to have been of the same order.
- 2. Estimates of company profits for the most recent years are subject to a large margin of error and possible revision. Variations among companies in the rate of increase in profits are also large.