§ 23. Miss Harvie Andersonasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what progress has been made in implementing his decisions regarding the directly employed labour force of his Department, in the light of the Mann Committee Reports and subsequent surveys; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LoughlinThose needed to operate basic services and to meet special requirements have been identified. The work of the remainder and its cost have been analysed, and the results will be reviewed in due course. Measures recommended by management consultants to increase efficiency are being introduced. Negotiations are proceeding with the trade unions on a possible productivity agreement.
§ Miss AndersonIs the basis of the Ministry's policy that where the work on non-security buildings can be done economically this can be undertaken by contractors?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe are attempting to evaluate the directly employed labour force as against the use of contractors. We shall use the directly employed labour force in certain areas where it is necessary to use it and in all of the instances where it is competitive with contractors.