asked the Prime Minister if the public speech by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to an electronics industry conference on 19th November on the subject of Government assistance to industry represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

I have been asked to reply.

As the Government say that they believe so much in competition, why does not this apply to interest on bank deposits? Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself has called this a cartel? Why is he so reluctant to end it?

I do not see that a question about the rules for interest rates on bank deposits arises from a Question about Government assistance to industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government's policy is causing a great deal of uncertainty in areas like Merseyside, which now has 34,000 unemployed—the highest level for a long time—with further unemployment looming as a result of the Government's failure in relation to the docks and with Cadbury's about to close part of its factories? Will the right hon. Gentleman encourage his colleagues to change their policy on assistance to industry, particularly with relation to areas like Merseyside?

No, Sir. Our policy on assistance to industry is quite clear. The position of Merseyside was debated in the House. Nobody can lay the difficulties of Merseyside at this Government's door.