HC Deb 12 November 1908 vol 196 cc537-8
MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has any materials from which he can give an estimate of the amount of British capital sent abroad during each of the years from 1900 to 1907.

MR. CHURCHILL

I know of no satisfactory means of making such an estimate.

MR. FELL

Have not the Board of Trade on several occasions made estimates based on income tax returns, showing the revenue derived from foreign investments?

MR. CHURCHILL

That is not the information I have, nor do I think it would be satisfactory.

SIR F. BANBURY (City of London)

Is it not the fact that banks and houses using coupons or foreign bonds make a declaration with regard to them? Could not the returns be made up from them?

MR. CHURCHILL

That seems to fall within the purview of the Treasury.