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Business of the House

My hon. Friend is right to raise the matter and it is important to try to move towards a settlement. However, I emphasise that the House of Commons authorities are not party to the contract. It is important that negotiations continue between the employer and the employees. I recently met the deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union and the Trades Union Congress, when the issue was raised. I made it clear that I am willing to meet other representatives of the cleaners to try to resolve the matter fairly and properly.