(1) In section 1 of the Bank of England Act 1946 [1946 c. 27.], in subsection (4), (amount payable to Treasury in lieu of dividends on Bank stock), for the words from "the sum" to the end there is substituted "a sum equal to 25 per cent. of the Bank's net profits for its previous financial year, or such other sum as the Treasury and the Bank may agree."

(2) In that section, at the end there is inserted-

"(6) In subsection (4) of this section, the reference to the Bank's net profits for its previous financial year is to the profits shown in the audited accounts for that year less the amount of the tax charge so shown."

(3) In Schedule 1 to that Act (supplemental provisions), after paragraph 11 there is inserted-

"11A

(1) If, when a payment falls to be made under section 1(4) of this Act, the Bank's accounts for the previous financial year have not been audited, the payment shall be made on the basis of the Bank's estimate of the relevant amounts.

(2) If an amount estimated under sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph differs from the amount shown in the audited accounts, an appropriate adjustment shall be made to the next payment under section 1(4) of this Act to be made after the difference becomes apparent."

(4) In that Schedule, for paragraph 14 there is substituted-