I AM writing this letter on a laptop computer; one that is British made and is the size of a packet of cigars.

Unfortunately, like the rest of fine British products and services, its manufacturer has gone to the wall as successive governments sold off the "crown jewels" to make a fast buck at the expense of these fine companies.

And we did have a pedigree legacy. In York, we had Rowntree, Terry's, British Rail and Ben Johnson, just to mention a few.

Considering that this Government was placed into power by an electorate who expected British industries to be looked after, have we all been well and truly conned?

Tomorrow's world holds exiting fresh British innovations, if we are not held back by Government shortsightedness. This planet is in dire need of greenhouse-friendly energy. I believe that cheap (free from exotic metals) fuel cells are the answer. Again, it is our British technology (New Scientist, February 24) that is ahead of the game at present. We should not allow any Government through shortsighted policies to jeopardise the future wealth and technological position of this country.

We owe it to our children.

Phil Shepherdson, Chantry Close, York.