§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the answer of 15 April, which are the specific areas of the Palace of Westminster which are cleaned by the Exclusive Cleaning and Maintenance Company rather than by staff of either House or the Property Services Agency; what was the rationalisation of the work which caused the extension of the company's contract to October 1982; if he will list the companies which tendered for the current contract; and whether the Exclusive Cleaning and Maintenance Company submitted the lowest tender.
§ Sir George YoungThe specific areas of the Palace which are cleaned by the company are set out in very lengthy schedules, copies of which I will send to the hon. Member. There were two elements of rationalisation of work that took place in 1982. First, the number of commercial cleaning companies working in the Palace was reduced to one. Second, the areas to be cleaned by the various bodies were defined more clearly and conveniently, removing many illogicalities which had grown up over the years. The following companies tendered for the contract, and Exclusive Cleaning and Maintenance (London) Company Ltd. submitted the lowest tender:
Exclusive Cleaning and Maintenance (London) Ltd.
Initial Service Cleaners Ltd.
Pall Mall Window and Office Cleaning Ltd.
Professional Maintenance (UK) Ltd.
RCO Contract Services Ltd.
§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why part of the Palace of Westminster is not cleaned either by staff of the two Houses or by the Property Services Agency.
§ Sir George YoungThe Property Services Agency provides a service common to both Houses. For many years, much of this service has been carried out commercially, and the commercial element has increased as the agency's directly employed staff has declined. The330W present arrangements are the result of a detailed review, in conjunction with the authorities of both Houses, in 1981.