§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's initiatives which are designed to achieve best value for money. [85457]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence continuously reviews its business processes and organisation to ensure that military capability is delivered with best value for money for the taxpayer. As part of the 2002 spending review, the MOD agreed the following Public Service Agreement value for money target for 2002–03 to 2005–06
Increase value for money by making improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the key processes for delivering military capability. Year on year output efficiency gains of 2.5% mil be made each year from 2002–03 to 2005–06.A wide range of initiatives is in hand to achieve this target, and to deliver business improvement generally across defence on a continuous basis. Key improvements include the following initiatives:By 31 March 2006, to reduce by an average of 6 per cent. the per capita cost of training a successful military recruit to the agreed standard.Achieve 0 per cent. average annual cost growth (or better) against the Major Equipment Procurement Projects, while meeting customer requirements.By 31 March 2006, to reduce by 20 per cent. (relative to April 2000, 14 per cent. relative to April 2002) the output costs of the Defence Logistics Organisation, while maintaining support to the Front Line.
Facility Improvement made 14 and 15 Docks The construction of seismically qualified dock structures, caissons and cradles for the submarines to sit in. 14 Dock has also been adapted to accommodate the new Astute class submarines. New Equipment and Maintenance Support Facility (NEMSFAC) New shared facility for maintenance and storage of equipment. Power Range Testing Berth (PRT) Upgraded berth at which the refuelled reactors are first tested after refit. Low Level Refuelling Facility (LLRF) New facility used to store new and used fuel for all submarines. Nuclear Transfer Route(NTR) To enable access between the refueling docks and LLRF. In place for 14 Dock, work in hand for 15 Dock. Cranes Seismically qualified dockside cranes fitted to 14 Dock; installation work about to commence for 15 Dock. Electrical services to submarine berths Ring main around dockyard upgraded.