HC Deb 28 March 1923 vol 162 c560W
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to discharge any cleaners at present engaged in the work of cleansing the House of Commons; if so, how many; the last occasion on which this staff was reduced, and the number dispensed with; and whether, before discharging or removing any of the lower-paid men and women from service in the House of Commons, he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the matter?

Sir J. BAIRD

As a result of a reorganisation of the work at the Houses of Parliament, a reduction of 11 men will he effected, but these men will be absorbed into the genera! staff of the Department, and the 11 junior men will be the first to be discharged. The staff was last reduced on the 1st January, 1922, when 22 men were discharged. The re-organisation, which is in the interests of economical administration, will come into operation on the 1st April, and presumably the hon. Member could raise the question on the Motion for the Adjournment to-morrow, if he so desires.