§ 24. Mr. Traceyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the trend of company profitability.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe real rate of return for all non-North sea industrial and commercial companies increased from 3.4 per cent. in 1981 to 5.8 per cent. in 1983. Profits have continued to increase in 1984, suggesting that the upward trend is continuing.