HC Deb 20 January 1981 vol 997 c117W
28. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the current studies to consider the transfer of certain functions such as catering supply and transport from Ministry of Defence permanent workers to civilian subcontractors pay sufficient regard to continuity of service.

Mr. Goodhart

Yes. The Ministry of Defence will ensure that any arrangements made with commercial contractors to perform functions presently carried out by Ministry employees contain reasonable assurances of continuity of service. The use of contractors to provide supporting services such as cleaning, catering and domestic and technical support at research and development establishments is already well-established practice.