HC Deb 15 March 1927 vol 203 cc1823-4
10. Mr. WELLOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the tendency to invest money in countries where labour is cheaper than British labour, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the matter and into the advisability of exercising some sort of control over foreign investments?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these investments are directed to the detriment of British trade and British standards of living?

Mr. McNEILL

No, Sir.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of the very great shortage of capital for reconstruction in certain British industries, the Prudential Insurance Company and others have been able to invest very large sums in Poland, where the cost of labour is low?

Mr. SPEAKER

This is Question Time and not Debate.

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