asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the factors which are delaying the issuing of regulations concerning safety representatives, under Section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, a draft of which he has had since July.

asked the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects to lay regulations relating to safety representatives as provided for in Section 2(4) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 18th November 1976], gave the following information:I reply also to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Park).It has been decided, in view of the estimated costs involved and the current need to restrict expenditure, not to bring these regulations into force for the time being. Further consideration is being given to this matter.