HC Deb 24 October 1949 vol 468 cc88-9W
58. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the estimated value in sterling of all British assets and investments in China, excluding Hong Kong.

Mr. Mayhew

The value in 1941 of the direct British business investment in China represented by physical properties, excluding ships, was estimated in 1947 at about £124 million. To this must be added the capital represented by Chinese Government and railway bonds quoted in London. This amounts to £53 million. I would add that unofficial estimates that have been made exceed these figures.