§ 60. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate capital value of the foreign investments still held by this country and the annual interest due and received thereon, respectively; and, in view of the importance of preserving and increasing our invisible exports, what steps are being taken in each case of default to secure payment of the interest due.
§ Mr. DaltonInterest received in 1945 from overseas investments was about £170 millions. The other figures asked for are not at present available, but the Bank of England are now making estimates which I shall be glad to publish when completed. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on Tuesday last to the hon. Baronet the Member for East Ealing (Sir. F. Sanderson).
§ Sir G. JeffreysHave we not numerous investments in South America, and in view of the importance of invisible exports, which has been emphasised by the Prime Minister and by the right hon. Gentleman, will he take all possible steps to see that those investments are realised and the interest on them collected?
§ Mr. DaltonI said in the answer to which I referred in my reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that all steps which are appropriate to each particular case will be taken to protect our overseas investments That, of course, goes for South America