§ Sir Charles Fletcher-Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in requesting tenders for replacing the directly employed cleaning services at the Royal Air Force hospitals at Ely and Wroughton and at the Royal Naval hospital, Plymouth, with a contract service, he was aware of the expenses likely to be incurred by tenderers.
§ Mr. GoodhartYes.
§ Sir Charles Fletcher-Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has decided to replace the directly employed cleaning services at the Royal Air Force hospitals at Ely and Wroughton and at the Royal Naval hospital, Plymouth, with a contract service; and if he has requested tenders from contractors to provide such a service.
§ Mr. GoodhartTenders have been invited in each case. Before decisions are taken, tender costs and standards must be evaluated by comparison with the existing directly employed service and staff representatives consulted. This is in hand. As soon as consultation is complete, decisions will be announced.
§ Sir Charles Fletcher-Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in evaluating tenders for cleaning services at hospitals run by the Services, his Department takes account not only of tender prices but also of the ability of tenderers to carry out the work for which they tender.
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§ Mr. GoodhartOnly contractors whom we believe to be capable of providing the technical services required for hospital cleaning have been invited to submit tenders. The standard as well as the cost of the service offered is evaluated by the Department, which sought advice from the Department of Health and Social Security.