HC Deb 10 July 1952 vol 503 cc1518-9
50. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he is making for the cleaning of Government offices by contract instead of direct labour.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

We are now discussing with the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council whether any improvement can be made in the efficiency of the present arrangements for cleaning Government offices. These discussions include consideration of the relative advantages of direct as compared with contract labour. I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the outcome of these discussions.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the Financial Secretary bear in mind that the "Mrs. Mopps" of Whitehall are seriously disturbed by the recent manoeuvres of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in this matter, and that there is a long standing agreement, dating back to 1938, which provides that there shall be no alteration in the present arrangements except after consultation with the union of which these excellent ladies are members?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The hon. and gallant Member may have heard that in my answer I said we were discussing this matter with the Staff Side.