§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he estimates that there has been an increase or reduction in the profits of the largest 25 private firms in the United Kingdom during the last year; and what has been the percentage increase or reduction in such profits.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldFor the 25 largest United Kingdom industrial companies, excluding British Leyland, as given in "The Times 1000 1978–1979"net profits before interest and tax as reported in the companies' accounts for accounting periods ending between 31 March 1977 and 1978, were 13 per cent. higher than in the previous year.