HC Deb 07 June 1995 vol 261 cc197-8W
Ms Hodge

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what performance indicators and performance targets there are for measuring the performance of his contributors, (b) employed contributors, not contracted out of SERPS, (c) employed contributors, contracted out of SERPS, receiving DSS rebate-only contributions to the scheme, and (d) employed contributors, contracted out of SERPS making personal payments in addition to DSS rebates. [21839]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Further to my answer of 1 May, Official Report, columns112–13, estimates of the number of self-employed contributors to personal pensions are in the table.

Department in (a) answering letters from members of the public and (b) answering telephone calls from members of the public; how performance is monitored; and what are the latest figures for performance measured against the target set. [26228]

Mr. Dorrell

My Department has set a performance target of 18 working days from receipt for dealing with written correspondence. If necessary, an interim reply will be issued explaining when the full answer can be provided.

A correspondence tracking system is in place to log correspondence answered via Ministers' offices and to monitor performance. In 1994, there were 6,355 pieces of private office correspondence requiring a reply. Five thousand and twenty, approximately 79 per cent., were answered within the Department's target. Although this is less than one would have hoped, it must be borne in mind that the Department must often consult with its sponsored bodies in order to provide replies.

All telephone inquiries received by the DNH public inquiry unit will be answered on the spot where possible. The remainder will be answered within two working days or by negotiation, as appropriate to the scope of the inquiry. During 1994, all telephone inquiries were dealt with within the agreed target.

All telephone and written inquiries made under the open government code of practice will be answered within the required time scale of 20 working days from receipt of the inquiry as set out in the DNH procedural note.