Share Ownership

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To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the value of total share, and their total value, were owned by individuals (a) in the latest year for which figures are available and (b) in each year since 1970. [4046]

The available information is given in the table.

Individuals' ownership of shares in companies quoted on the London stock exchange
Year (at 31 December)	1975	1981	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994
Percentage	37.5	28.2	20.6	20.3	19.9	20.4	17.7	20.3
Value (pounds billion)	16.7	28.0	104.3	90.5	105.3	125.4	141.1	154.6

1. The apparent trend in the series is effected, particularly for the earlier data, by sampling errors and varying degrees of success in the identification of nominee holdings.

2. The series reflect shares held directly by individuals, including those held in personal equity plans, but exclude those held indirectly for example in unit trusts.

Volume 268: debated on Tuesday 5 December 1995