HL Deb 14 October 1993 vol 549 cc26-7WA
Lord Brougham and Vaux

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made towards establishing the Transport and Security Services Division of the Department of the Environment as an executive agency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

The agency, which will be called Security Facilities Executive (SAFE), will be established on 15th October 1993. It incorporates all the functions carried out by Transport and Security Services Division (TSSD), which comprised Custody Services, Government Car Service, InterDespatch Service, Security Furniture Services and Special Services Group. The divisional director, John King, has been appointed the chief executive following an open competition.

The aim and objectives of the agency are set out in a framework document, copies of which will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. By setting demanding and realistic targets each year, we will be encouraging SAFE to maintain and improve its existing standards of performance. We are confident that the agency will rise to the challenge and continue to enhance the value for money that it offers while maintaining its enviable standards of excellence.

For 1993–94, the following targets have been set for the agency:

Category Measure Target
Financial Outturn on the Vote A surplus of £1.8 million
Outturn on Net Running Costs A deficit of £1.1 million
Outturn on Cost Recovery in Accruals Terms 99 per cent.
Efficiency Unit Costs No increase in real terms
Quality of Service Regular Customer Surveys Average ratings of "good" or higher
Environment Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Annual average of 24 miles per gallon