(Waterford) asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will approve the standard test procedures for solid fuel cookers currently being drawn up by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to bring Ireland into line with other European countries and to safeguard the jobs of workers employed by Waterford Iron Foundries Ltd.

The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are at present conducting tests with a view to drawing up an Irish standard for solid fuel cookers. These tests are scheduled for completion shortly and the final form of the standard specification will depend on the outcome of these tests. The standard will then be submitted for my approval.