HC Deb 06 June 1991 vol 192 c347W
Mr. Tim Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the specific performance targets set for the Meteorological Office following on from the initial targets he announced in 1990.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

At column444 on 2 April 1990, my right hon. Friend set out the initial targets set for the Meteorological Office. The performance achieved against these targets will be reported in the agency's annual report and accounts which will be available in the summer.

Following on from these initial targets I have set further specific and demanding targets for the period 1991–96. These are: To improve efficiency by an average of 3 per cent. per annum. To achieve a 50 per cent. increase in uptake of meteorological services, as measured by revenue generated from commercial services to the public, industry and commerce (excluding the Civil Aviation Authority). To achieve a 170 per cent. increase in the gross contribution of commercial services revenue to offsetting core costs and overheads. To reduce by 15 per cent. cumulatively the standard error of 48-hour forecasts of mid-tropospheric pressure fields over the North Atlantic and North West Europe. To achieve high standards of quality and demonstrate a level of customer satisfaction with the services and products delivered. Quantified targets will be set annually for each major customer group. To provide authoritative advice on climate change issues to Ministers nationally, and internationally through the auspices of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.