§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the level of(a) portfolio and (b) direct investment overseas each year since 1979, both at current prices and at constant 1989 prices; and what has been the percentage change each year.
§ Mr. Norman Lamont[holding answer 18 January 1990]: The estimates of United Kingdom investment overseas at current prices, distinguishing direct and portfolio investment, since 1979 are published in "Economic Trends" for December 1989 (table A8). An assessment of investment at constant prices can be made using the implied gross domestic product price deflators published in "Economic Trends" (table 2) and in the CSO databank. These publications are available in the Library.