asked the Prime Minister when he received from the Aberdeen area branch of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers a recent letter protesting against Her Majesty's Government's continued delay in introducing legislation to protect the health, welfare and safety of workers in shops and offices; and what reply he has sent.

I received the letter to which the Question refers on 30th November. I sent the hon. and learned Member on 6th December a copy of the reply which was sent to the Branch Secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.

Does not the Prime Minister realise that that situation is completely intolerable? Is he aware that these workers have been waiting for the protection suggested in the Question for a very long time? The Government have promised them that protection but they have broken their promises. Will they now keep their promises in this matter?

As has been explained, it is the intention to introduce the Bill next Session.