asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the public uncertainty that exists concerning the industrial consequences of Great Britain joining the Common Market, he will institute a confidential referendum, industry by industry, designed to ascertain whether on equal terms each industry could meet open competition from Europe, having regard to the wider markets which would be available and what changes in the present taxation system they consider would be necessary to fit into the Common Market's industrial taxation arrangements.

No. Arrangements for consulting industry already exist, and it is always open to an industry to put its point of view to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade or to other Ministers concerned.