§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, which House of Commons work has now been contracted out; if he will give the date when the contract commenced and the numbers of workers; and what numbers of staff are not subject to any contracting out arrangements. [39323]
§ Mr. Beith[holding answer 23 October 1995]: Services are contracted out by House Departments where this can meet the requirements of the House and provide benefits in quality, efficiency and value for money. The area where this is done on the largest scale is new works and maintenance of the parliamentary estate, where 96 per cent. of the work is contracted out by the Parliamentary Works Directorate. A team of 97 directly employed labour provides a service in dealing with emergencies, urgent minor requests and shift working to attend boilers and other plant.
If the hon. Member has any particular areas on which he would like detailed information, I would ask him to contact the Director of Works or the relevant Head of Department.
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