HC Deb 22 April 1959 vol 604 cc372-3
21. Mr. Allaun

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the concern among foundry workers over the delay in implementing the report of the Joint Standing Committee on conditions in non-ferrous foundries by the issue of appropriate regulations; and when he expects to take action.

Mr. Wood

Work is proceeding on a draft Code of Regulations. This will be published and interested organisations will be asked for their comments.

Mr. Allaun

Yes, Sir— but when? As it is now no less than five and a half years since the Joint Committee was set up, and eighteen months since the Minister was asked about the delays in implementing its Report, has not the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers and others interested serious ground for complaint? As the existing iron and steel foundries Regulations would provide a helpful basis, should it not be easier to produce this quickly?

Mr. Wood

I agree that it has taken a long time, but I do not think that the union has cause for complaint, because the Report of the Joint Committee was very long and complicated and an immense amount of consultation and discussion was necessary. We will try to speed this up as much as we can, but it is bound to take a very long time.

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