§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what performance targets have been set for the Ordnance Survey executive agency in the year 1997–98. [21123]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe following performance targets have been set for Ordnance Survey in 1997–98:
- 1. To recover at least 86 per cent. of the costs incurred by the agency, representing an increase of 3 per cent.
- 2. To ensure that, by 31 March 1998, 97 per cent. of existing major detail is surveyed and available to customers in the national topographic database at any one time—an increase of 1 per cent. over 1996–97. The target will increase to 99 per cent. by the year 2002.
- 3. In order to provide a quality service to customers, to despatch products in response to orders as follows:
- 95 per cent. of all land-line digital map units within five working days—reduced from six days; and
- 92 per cent. of small scale products within five working days—an increase of 2 per cent.
- 4. To increase by 3 per cent. the annual revenue earned per number of staff employed.
These targets are closely associated with the main corporate aims of Ordnance Survey and demonstrate the agency's continuing commitment to customers and to improved value for money for all its stakeholders. These more stringent targets represent significant improvements and will deliver an increasing level of services.