HC Deb 01 July 1936 vol 314 c421W
Sir P. HURD

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total amount of British capital invested in Argentina, Brazil, and other South American countries, respectively, and the latest information as to the dividends paid on these investments?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that Sir Robert Kindersley is engaged on a detailed investigation of the geographical distribution of British capital investments overseas, and that he hopes to publish the results later in the year. Pending the final results of this investigation, it is estimated that the nominal value of British investments in Brazil in 1935 was approximately £190 million, and in other South American countries, except the Argentine, £160 million, and that the dividends and interest remitted on these investments during that year amounted to approximately £3½ million and £3½ million, respectively. As regards the Argentine, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 12th May.