§ 4. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Labour when the draft regulations based on the White Paper Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Conditions in Non-ferrous Foundries will be circulated.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Robert Carr)I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question on 30th October. I am not yet able to say when decisions are likely to be reached regarding draft regulations.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that this Committee was set up four years ago and that this is the third question of vital importance to foundry workers which has been raised with him in the last three weeks, the reply in each case being unsatisfactory? Is it surprising that foundry-men are asking why the Minister acts so slowly?
§ Mr. CarrI am aware also that the Report contains no less than 86 recommendations. This involves a fair number of issues which must be resolved, and, even when the issues of substance are resolved, the actual drafting will be by 1132 no means a simple matter. These Reports really cannot be rushed through too quickly, because many consultations have to take place.