HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc83-4W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the key performance targets for the Public Record Office executive agency for 1997–98. [6545]

Mr. Hoon

The following table sets out the key performance targets that the Lord Chancellor has set for the Public Record Office for 1997–98.

Public Record Office Key Performance Indicators and Targets 1997–98
Indicator Target
Efficiency
Unit costs of key activities:
(a) record accessions; Reduce by 37.55 per cent. to £1.68.
(b) providing record storage space per linear metre; Limit increase to 0.93 per cent., i.e. to £67.52.
(c) making documents available to users per document; Reduce by 23.38 per cent. to £3.90.
(d) providing Census reader services per reader visit; Reduce by 17.68 per cent. to £4.33.
(e) providing document reader services per reader visit; Reduce by 16.95 per cent. to £37.24.
(f) providing remote user information services per contact. Reduce by 42.10 per cent. to £26.38.
Backlog of records reported by departments as being over 30 years old and awaiting review. Reduce by 1200 metres.
The timely destruction of records not worthy of preservation. Departments to have in place key features of records management, as specified in the PRO Manual of Records Administration.
Provision of acceptable storage conditions i.e. meeting the preservation and environmental standards recommended by BS 5454: 1989 Recommendation for storage and exhibition of documents (BSI. 1989). Increase the proportion of records stored to the standards from 87.85 per cent, to 88.12 per cent.
Management efficiency in running support services and projects. Reduce the running costs of the Office's support services as a proportion of overall running costs from 9.8 per cent. to 9.01 per cent.
Quality of Service
Citizen's Charter Standards. Achieve the Charter Standard targets.
Effectiveness
Performance in achieving specified milestones towards strategic objectives. I. Carry out the quinquennial agency review of the Office and implement its agreed recommendations to the required timetable.
II. Extend the Office's opening hours by 29 per cent.
III. Increase revenue by 13 per cent, against the 1996–97 target.

Fuller details of the agency's targets are given in its business plan, which is available from the Public Record Office.