HC Deb 20 July 1972 vol 841 c889
12. Mr. Aston

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with security arrangements with Ministry sub-contractors; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied that the existing security arrangements are adequate.

Mr. Ashton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the contractors, a firm employed for cleaning the Department's offices, has had constant friction with the lady cleaners it employs on night work because of poor wages, long hours of work and its virulent anti-trade union activities? Is this in the best interests of security? Would it not be much better to go back to the old system under which the Ministry employed its cleaners direct as a category of civil servants?

Mr. Gilmour

I was not sure that cleaning was the precise subject of the Question. If the hon. Gentleman cares to send me details of his complaint, I will look into it.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Is it not a fact that, if this firm is carrying on anti-trade union activities, its employees may now use the Industrial Relations Act to look after their interests?

Mr. Gilmour

That is true. My answer did not indicate that I accepted the premise on which the question was based.