Multiple row records with fixed cell widths

[tomj55]

I have a report that requires 2 rows of data for each record.  To conserve space, I want to set the widths of the cells in the first and second rows.

For example: In the first row, I have a cell that consists of two merged cells.  I set the width to 1.5-inches.  With the two cells below this merged cell, I attempt to set the widths to 1-inch and 0.5-inches respectively (the sum of the merged cell above).  However, the width of the two cells is evenly divided between the two cells; that is, 0.75-inches.  I've tried various combinations of fixed dimensions (inches, pixels) and relative dimensions (%).  In all cases, the width of the cells below a merged cell is always evenly divided.

Is there a property setting or any other way to force fixed widths without separating the first and second rows by placing them in separate tables? ???