§ 24. Mr. Beswickasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated total amount of United States capital now invested in United Kingdom industry.
§ Mr. ErrollThe latest information available from United States sources indicates that at the end of 1957 the value of United States direct investment in United Kingdom industry amounted to about £680 million.
§ 25. Mr. Beswickasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated amount of sterling paid in the last convenient year as interest on United States capital invested in United Kingdom industry.
§ Mr. ErrollThe amount of interest, profits and dividends, included in the recent Balance of Payments White Paper (Cmnd. 700), arising from U.S. private investment in the United Kingdom and remitted to the U.S. in 1958 was about £50 million.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the complete, or partial, acquisition of United Kingdom companies by United States companies.
§ Mr. ErrollAs my right hon. Friend reminded the House on Tuesday, the Government welcomes investment in United Kingdom companies by nonresidents and, unless it considers that national interests are adversely affected by any particular proposals, has no wish to impede the free flow of capital on which the prosperity of this country so much depends.