§ Mr. KnapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made towards establishing the transport and security services division of his Department as an executive agency.
§ Sir George YoungI am pleased to announce that the agency, which will be called Security Facilities Executive (SAFE), was established on 15 October 1993. It incorporates all the functions carried out by transport and security services division (TSSD) which comprised custody services, Government car service, interdispatch service, security furniture services and special services group. The divisional director, John King, has been appointed the chief executive following an open competition.
The aim and objectives of the agency are set our in a framework document, copies of which will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. By setting demanding and realistic targets each year, I will be encouraging SAFE to maintain and improve its existing standards of performance. I am confident that the agency will rise to the challenge and continue to enhance the value for money that it offers whilst maintaining its enviable standards of excellence.
For 1993–94, the following have been set for the agency:
Category Measure Target Financial Outturn on the vote A surplus of £1.8 million Outturn on net running costs A deficit of £1.1 million Outturn on cost recovery in accruals terms 99 per cent. Efficiency Unit costs No increase in real terms Quality of Service Regular customer surveys Average rating of "good" or higher Environment Vehicle fuel efficiency Annual average of 24 miles per gallon