§ Mr. Hewlettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that British investments in Latin America total £928,579,674 and that for the year ended 31st December, 1943, there was paid dividend or interest to the extent of 1639W £23,003,026 or an average of 2.4 per cent., and that no interest or dividend was paid on £404,736,305; and what steps he is taking to recover this interest.
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware that a computation has been made by the "South American Journal" and published in the Press giving the results to which my hon. Friend refers. While I cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of these computations, it is a fact that very large sums of British capital have been invested in South America, and that in respect of a large part there has been a failure to pay dividends or adequate interest. A single average figure for the return from so many different types of investment in a number of different countries is, however, apt to be misleading. In so far as defaults have occurred in respect of obligations of Governments, States and municipalities, the Council of Foreign Bondholders is recognised by His Majesty's Government as the proper body to conduct negotiations with debtors and His Majesty's Government are prepared to give them every assistance possible. Payments on this class of investment have in fact been increased since 1943. With regard to other classes of investment, which account for two-thirds of the total figure, and many of which are shares
HORTICULTURAL CROPPING ORDERS. Glasshouse Provisions. 1. Where the glasshouses are planted wholly or partly with permanent fruit crops (i.e. grapes, peaches, etc.). Scotland. England. An undercrop of tomatoes or other food producing plants must be grown to the fullest extent possible. Tomatoes (only) must be grown as an undercrop. 2. Other Glasshouses. Scotland. England. (i) Tomatoes must be grown for six consecutive months on 90 per cent. of the area. (i) The same. (ii) (a) Crops other than food crops may be grown on not more than 50 per cent. of the area for 3 months of the remainder of the year; (ii) For these six months of the year 90 per cent. of the area must be used for the following purposes: (b) No restrictions as to cropping for the remaining three months of the year. growing tomatoes, mustard, cress, lettuce, endive, radishes, rhubarb, chicory; growing young plants of tomatoes and vegetables and sprouting seed potatoes. In both countries the Agricultural Executive Committees are empowered to grant exemption from these restrictions in special cases.