§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he is currently considering for employing private contract cleaners or caterers at his Department's establishments in Woolwich; what is the estimated cost saving; how many jobs will be affected; and when he expects to be able to announce his decision.
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§ Mr. HayhoeThree of the establishments in the Woolwich, East constituency are presently under examination to see whether it would be practicable and cheaper to change to contract services. These are:
for cleaning
- Royal Arsenal
- Queen Elizabeth military hospital
and for catering
- Woolwich garrison officers' mess
- Queen Elizabeth military hospital
Since the work is not yet complete, I am unable to say what either the final decision or the cost savings might be. In all some 194 posts could be affected. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State expects to be able announce individual decisions from early summer onwards. There will be consultation with staff interests before decisions are taken.