British Assets Abroad

HC Deb 15 February 1993 vol 219 c22W

1975. Mr. Renton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total size of British assets abroad; and what were the figures in(a) 1985 and (b)

Mr. Lamont

The estimates of identified United Kingdom external assets as shown are based on recording direct investments at book values, and other assets at estimated market values. To the extent that the valuation basis for direct investment reflects values in earlier periods, an up-to-date valuation is likely to be higher. These figures do not cover United Kingdom liabilities to overseas residents.

	£ billion
end-year 1975	98.5
end-year 1985	593.2
September 1992	1,065.0

Sources: United Kingdom Balance of Payments, 1992; CSC, Databank.