§ Mr. Hamlingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the light of Her Majesty's Government's decision to devalue sterling, he will scrutinise strictly attempts made by United States financial, industrial and business interests to take over British firms in order to prevent undue interference in the development of British long-term economic policies.
§ Mr. DarlingAs the then Chancellor of the Exchequer stated on 12th July last year, our general policy is to welcome inward investment in this country by United States and other foreign companies; cases involving the take-over of existing companies which by their size or their nature constitute a vital part of British industry will continue to be considered on their merits. In considering these cases we shall naturally take account of all relevant circumstances.