§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many private firms have been awarded cleaning contracts by his Department's establishments.
§ Mr. LeeAbout 75 private firms have cleaning contracts, arranged centrally, with the Department; there are others of small value which are let locally.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines he has issued to companies who have been awarded cleaning contracts by his Department's establishments in respect of levels of pay for employees.
§ Mr. LeeFollowing the decision of the House of Commons to rescind the fair wages resolution, levels of pay are a matter for contractors and their employees; contracts no longer set guidelines.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what security checks were made on the Clean Industrial Company prior to the award of the contract for the cleaning of his Department's buildings.
§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence what agreement exists between the Clean Industrial Company and his Department for the cleaning of his Department's buildings; and what are the conditions of employment for cleaners contained in the agreement.
§ Mr. LeeThere are contracts with Clean Industrial Services Ltd. which are standard for office cleaning work but conditions of employment for cleaners are not included. Conditions of employment for cleaners are decided between the contractor and the employees.