§ 73. Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has as to acquisitions of American companies by British firms.
§ Mr. MaudeThe available information relates to the value of the acquisitions of share and loan capital of United States companies by United Kingdom companies. Only those funded from the United Kingdom are included. The acquisition of holdings of 20 per cent. and above of United States companies' share capital and increases in existing holdings are shown indistinguishably. Information about takeovers of United States companies (the acquiring of more than 50 per cent. of United States companies' share capital) could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The following is the information:
£ million 1981 1,6331 1982 9461 1983 1,0821 1984 1,565 1985 1,754 1986 4,481 1 Excludes acquisitions by oil companies. Source: Table 3.5 Business Monitor MA4.