The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

Chief Secretary (1987-1989)

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Overseas Assets – 23 February 1989

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Overseas Assets on 23rd February 1989.


Mr. Jacques Arnold To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the stock of United Kingdom net overseas assets at the end of 1987; and what earnings were generated by these assets in 1987.

Mr. Watts To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the stock of United Kingdom net overseas assets at the end of 1987; and what earnings were generated by these assets in 1987.

Mr. Hayward To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the stock of United Kingdom net overseas assets at the end of 1987; and what earnings were generated by those assets in 1987.

Mr. Paice To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the stock of United Kingdom net overseas assets at the end of 1987; and what earnings were generated by these assets in 1987.

Mr. Moss To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the stock of United Kingdom net overseas assets at the end of 1987; and what earnings were generated by these assets in 1987.

Mr. Major The stock of net overseas assets is estimated to have been £89.5 billion at the end of 1987. The net earnings on the United Kingdom’s net assets in 1987 are estimated to have been £5,463 million.