HC Deb 08 February 1949 vol 461 cc32-3W
59. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of British overseas investments realised since the end of the war either as a result of action by or with the knowledge of His Majesty's Government; and what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to further sales in 1949.

Mr. Jay

In the last three years realisations (including redemption) of British overseas investment outside the sterling area have been: 1946, £68 million; 1947, £51 million; 1948 (a provisional estimate), £176 million. The figure for 1948 included £155 million for the sale of assets in Argentina. The policy of His Majesty's Government is to permit the sale of overseas assets whenever this is in the interests of this country.