HC Deb 08 June 1993 vol 226 cc187-8W
Mr. Sims

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what targets he has set for the Historic Royal Palaces agency.

Mr. Brooke

The following targets have been set for the Historic Royal Palaces agency for the financial year 1993–94:

Financial Targets:

  • Commercial surplus—£4.5 million
  • Call on taxpayer—£7.6 million

Visitor Rating Targets:1

  • Value for money—0.7 to 1
  • Enjoyment—above 1.3
  • Helpful and friendly staff—above 1.3

Efficiency Target:

  • 2 per cent. on running costs

Conservation Target:

  • To complete surveys and draw up a programme of building work by November 1993.
  • 1 Visitor ratings are assessed from market research interviews with 900 visitors, undertaken by independent consultants 188 each summer. 2.0 is Extremely Good; 1.5 is Very Good; 1.0 is Quite Good; 0 is OK; — 1.0 is Quite Poor; —2.0 is Very Poor.

I am pleased to note that the agency's commercial income has increased from £14.7 million in 1990–91 to £18.7 million in 1992–93 and its call on the taxpayer is reducing. At the same time, the agency continues to set the highest standards both in conservation and in services to its visitors.

Forward to