§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed, answering on behalf of the House of Commons Commission, whether he is operating a vacancy discount system to the cleaning staff establishment; how long each of the 16 unfilled vacancies have been unfilled; which posts are currently in the process of being filled; what instructions have been given to reduce the cleaning specifications; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of standards of cleanliness.
§ Mr. BeithNo. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Lady on 17 May 1988, at column436, the difference between the complement of posts and cleaning staff employed represents the number of unfilled vacancies due to the steady and continuous turnover of staff. Two additional cleaning staff began work on 16 May 1988, reducing the shortfall against complement from 14 to 12. Another recruitment exercise is in progress, with a closing date for applications of 20 May 1988. No instructions have been given to reduce the cleaning specification. I understand that the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee plans to review the adequacy of standards of cleanliness.