HC Deb 25 January 1937 vol 319 c578
69. Mr. Thorne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much British capital is invested in the United States of America; and whether he can give the House any information as to how much capital is invested in America by France, Germany, Italy, and Canada?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

I regret that no official British statistics are available on this subject. There are great difficulties in reaching accurate figures, but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT estimates which have recently been compiled by the United States Department of Commerce and Treasury Department.

Following is the statement:

Investments by Certain Countries in the United States.*
31st December, 1935.
(millions of dollars)
Great Britain 1,374
France 282
Canada 1,006

Italy and Germany are not shown separately.

From 31st December, 1935, to 30th September, 1936, the following net additional amounts of American securities had been acquired†:

(millions of dollars)
Great Britain 86
France 21
Canada 16
Italy and Germany had on balance sold securities to the value of $1,400,000 and $1,810,000 respectively in that period.

* The Balance of International Payments of the United States in 1935, p. 56.

† Capital Movements between United States and Foreign Countries.