HC Deb 18 November 1949 vol 469 cc235-6W
Mr. J. Morrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade, how many projects for the establishment of American factories in Britain have been allowed; and how many disallowed by his Department and for what reasons.

Mr. J. Edwards

Projects for the establishment of factories in this country by American interests do not necessarily require the specific approval of the Board of Trade, and the information for which the hon. Member has asked could not be provided without a good deal of research. As regards the second part of the Question, we normally welcome the establishment of such factories in this country provided the investment is made with dollars or their equivalent and provided there is reason to believe that the project in question will, on balance, gain or save desirable foreign currency or will involve other substantial advantages in the form of technical knowledge, patented processes, etc.