asked the Prime Minister if, in the light of the proposed closure of the Lyons Maid factory, she is satisfied that the Departments of Employment, the Environment and Industry adequately co-ordinate policy to prevent factory closures and provide financial assistance to industry in Merseyside; and if she will arrange for Ministers from these Departments to meet hon. Members from Merseyside to discuss these matters.

I am satisfied that Departments adequately co-ordinate policy to provide financial assistance to industry, including industry on Merseyside, under the Industry Act 1972 I know that Ministers will be happy to discuss such matters with hon. Members.Lyons Maid's proposal to close its factory in Liverpool must be a matter for the company's commercial judgment.