HC Deb 09 July 1991 vol 194 cc298-9W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of all bonus schemes in operation in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise executive units.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Customs have one bonus scheme in operation in their executive units—the special bonus scheme. Special bonuses are used to reward exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks or situations. They take the form of taxable, non-pensionable lump sum payments. The overall cost for running the scheme in each executive unit is restricted to 0.2 per cent. of the pay bill.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the quality of service performance indicators adopted by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise executive units since the reorganisation along next steps lines; and separately identify those quality of service performance indicators already operative prior to the introduction of executive units.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Her Majesty's Customs and Excise set up 30 executive units on 1 April 1991. Their key performance indicators, expressed in aggregate for the 21 collection executive units, including those relating to quality of service, are listed in the published Customs and Excise management plan for 1991–92 to 1993–94. The previous year's management plan similarly identifies quality of service indicators operative prior to the introduction of executive units. Copies of these plans are in the House Library. The overall number of quality of service indicators more than doubled from 1 April 1991.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those new facilities for staff such as nurseries and health care schemes which have been introduced in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise since its reorganization on next steps lines.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

Her Majesty's Customs and Excise is developing its "Look After Your Heart" campaign and seminars for liaison officers from executive units are planned in September. The views of managers and staff are currently being sought towards a more positive departmental policy on smoking at work. Health screening exercises are being undertaken in two locations with another planned. A staff assistance programme is being developed, which will make health care advice available throughout the Department and stress management awareness training available where necessary.

Customs and Excise participates in 25 play schemes. The latest, in Glasgow, opens on 8 July. The Department's first on-site nursery was opened in Wembley in February and has facilities for 20 children. A further 20 places have recently been secured in a private nursery in Southend. Three other on-site nurseries are planned.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the last annual report for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise was published; and when the next one is due.

Mrs. Gillian Shephard

The report for the year ending 1989–90 was published on 10 October 1990. The report for 1990–91 will be published in October.