§ 4. Mr. David Loganasked the Minister of Works why Herbert Foy and nine other men are considered redundant at the Ministry of Works, 60/62, Soho Street, Liverpool; and if he will make further efforts to retain their services.
§ Mr. EcclesThe amount of building maintenance work to be carried out by direct labour in Liverpool has been reduced and the services of these men are no longer required.
§ Mr. LoganWas not the understanding that elderly men would be retained? Is 1197 it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman's Office to carry out what they have told these people they would do?
§ Mr. EcclesWe have found that in Liverpool certain building maintenance work can be done considerably cheaper by contract. These men are being discharged in strict accordance with the redundancy agreement which we have entered into with the trade union.
§ Mr. LoganSurely the principles of redundancy are not effective in this question of economy? These men will have to draw relief, and the difference between what the Ministry would pay by contract and what he would pay these men would keep the men employed.
§ Mr. EcclesThe hon. Member will agree that my responsibility is to do the job efficiently and cheaply. As I have found that it can be done more efficiently by contract, I have no choice but to reduce my staff.
§ Mr. A. WoodburnWould the Minister say how he can make this comparison between the work done by his Department and the work done by contract? How can he come to any conclusion until he has tried both?
§ Mr. EcclesI have tried direct labour.