§ 55. Lieut.-Colonel GAULTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the contract for cleaning the windows of buildings in Taunton under his Department has been taken from a local firm, which had for a number of years given satisfaction, and let to an Exeter firm; and if he will state the reason for this change in administrative policy?
§ Mr. PARKINSONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There has been no change in administrative policy, which is to invite tenders for window-cleaning contracts at intervals. The local firm to which the hon. and gallant Member refers held the contract from 1927 until they recently lost it in competition.
§ Lieut.-Colonel GAULTHas the hon. Member any information as to whether the employés of the Exeter firm are receiving standard rates of wages?
§ Mr. PARKINSONI have no information on that point, but I will convey the hon. and gallant Member's request for information to my right hon. Friend.