HC Deb 30 October 1919 vol 120 cc884-5
79. Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will direct that all such employment as outside window-cleaning, which is admirably adapted for discharged soldiers.

should as far as possible be given only to firms who employ large numbers of such men; and whether the Silver Badge Window-Cleaning Company have had an opportunity of carrying out tenders for such work?

Mr. PARKER

I have been asked to answer this question. Window-cleaning in Government buildings is the subject of competitive tendering, and, apart from the general appeal of the Government to employers, no steps have been taken to secure the employment of ex-Service men. Inquiries, however, show that a very high proportion of such men are employed on the Government window-cleaning contracts. The Silver Badge Window-Cleaning Company were invited recently to tender in connection with a specific building, but their tender proved to be too high for acceptance.