HL Deb 30 July 1997 vol 582 c64WA
Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer given by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 10 July (WA 86), whether they will now provide answers omitted from their reply concerning profitability, shareholders' funds and dividend policies.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The windfall tax should have no effect on the underlying profitability of the companies affected. There will inevitably be some effect on shareholders' funds depending upon how companies choose to finance their tax bills. Dividend policies are a matter for companies. A number have said they expect to maintain strong dividend growth, a view shared by market analysts.