§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give for the period back to 1950, or the longest retrospective period that may prove convenient, the amounts of sterling invested in New Zealand and the amount of earnings that have accrued from these investments; and to what extent he estimates 320W these will be affected on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community on any present known terms.
§ Mr. HigginsFollowing are the available estimates:
United Kingdom Private Investment (net of disinvestment) in New Zealand Interest, profits, and dividends on private investment in New Zealand £ million £ million 1959 … 4 7 1960 … —1* 11 1961 … 27 8 1962 … 10 13 1963 … 4 12 1964 … 15 17 1965 … 12 18 1966 … 2 18 1967 … 7 15 1968 … 7 20 1969 … 8 23 * Net disinvestment. I see no reason for expecting these transactions to be affected by Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek a meeting with Mr. V. Feather, the Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, to discuss the Government's policies on labour employment, prices, balance of payments, and entry conditions into the European Economic Community, and publish the results of these discussions.
§ Mr. HigginsI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply on 27th April to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Renée Short).—[Vol. 816, c. 61.]
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent it is the Government's policy to assist Great Britain's entry into the Common Market by allowing current prices and unemployment to rise to maintain the present balance of payments; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HigginsNot at all.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the French Government on the price of gold, should Great Britain enter the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. HigginsNone.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware 321W that during 1970 the previous year's favourable balance of £98,608 in currency transfer for the sale and purchase of houses, flats and villas in the countries of the Six had turned to a deficit of £177,687; and to what extent he estimates this deficit will increase or be reduced on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community and the free flow of currency is enforced.
§ Mr. HigginsI have nothing to add to the Answer I gave the hon. Member on 20th April.—[Vol. 815, c.370.]