asked the Minister of Labour when he will make available the draft regulations providing for the free issue of safety boots to foundry workers who are at risk from transporting or pouring molten metal.

Work is well advanced on the preparation of a preliminary draft of regulations providing for protective footwear in foundries, and my right hon. Friend hopes to circulate the draft to interested organisations this summer.

Will my hon. Friend speed things up in view of the excessive number of foundry accidents? Does not the Ministry's own survey show that 14 per cent. of all foundry injuries would be prevented if this were done?

I share my hon. Friend's concern, but these regulations must inevitably take a considerable time. We shall do all we can to speed up the issue of the draft regulations.