HC Deb 07 August 1972 vol 842 cc247-8W
Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many contractors have succeeded in obtaining contracts for office cleaning in his Department in the last five years; whether he will publish their names; and how many firms tendered.

Mr. John Davies

Since my Department was created in October 1970, 44 firms have tendered and the following 11 have been awarded contracts:

  • Automagic Cleaning Services Ltd.
  • Britannic Cleaning Co. (London) Ltd.
  • Cleanagents & Co. Ltd.
  • Crothall &Co. Ltd.
  • Cardiff & Castle Cleaning Co. Ltd.
  • Donway Building Maintenance Ltd.
  • General Cleaning Contractors Ltd.
  • Great Met Ltd.
  • Nova Contract Cleaners.
  • Office Cleaning Services Ltd.
  • Strand Cleaning Services Ltd.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will state the annual percentage increase in contract prices for cleaning his Department's offices in 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971; and how this compares with the annual percentage wage increase of maintenance staff actually employed by his Department.

Mr. John Davies

I regret that this information is not readily available and could not be obtained without excessive expense.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the annual saving to his Department by employing contractors to do office cleaning instead of employing cleaners as part of his staff.

Mr. John Davies

Estimates are not made on this basis. The problems and costs of cleaning each building by alternative methods are examined separately before contracts are let.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will allow facilities for trade union recruitment and organisation on the premises of his Department during hours in which cleaners are employed.

Mr. John Davies

Facilities for trade union recruitment and organisation are granted to recognised unions in respect of civil servants. My Department is not responsible for such arrangements in respect of employees of contractors; but if any contractor asks for help in providing similar facilities on my Department's premises in respect of his employees who work there, I will consider his request.