§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the average weekday number of vehicles crossing Hammersmith Bridge before its closure to traffic; where, in the opinion of the Traffic Director for London, that traffic has dispersed to since its closure; and in particular what has been the effect on traffic volumes on (a) Fulham Palace Road, Fulham High Street, Putney Bridge, Putney High Street and Lower Richmond Road; and (b) the A.4 Great West Road between Hammersmith Broadway and the Hogarth Roundabout, and the A.316 at Chiswick Bridge.
§ Baroness HaymanThe average daily flow across Hammersmith Bridge prior to closure was around 30,000 vehicles.
The Traffic Director's office is chairing a group to share traffic data on the effects of the closure. The indications are that traffic appears to have been displaced mainly to routes over the adjacent crossings. The group has found that there is only a limited record of measured flows before the closure. Some guide figures are set out below but information providing a similar comparison for the other specified roads is not available.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)All staff in the Benefits Agency are on performance related pay. The system in operation is in 5WA line with current government policy, requiring all progression through the pay band to be dependent on individual performance.
The running of the BA Performance Pay Scheme is an issue for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, and I am asking him to write to you with further details of its operation.
Letter to Earl Russell from the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Mr. P. Mathison, dated 10 November 1997.
I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary Question asking which category of Benefits Agency employees are not on performance related pay.
A key aim of the Benefit Agency pay system is that it should recognise the contribution that all staff make to the business and reward their effort and achievement.
All staff are covered by a performance related pay scheme which directly relates pay increases to individual annual appraisal ratings. These ratings reflect individual work objectives and competencies, which are agreed at the beginning of each appraisal year and which support the business objectives of the Benefits Agency. In addition, junior administrative and support staff are, for their first three years' service, guaranteed to receive increases of at least 5 per cent. as long as their performance is judged to be at least satisfactory.
I hope you find this reply helpful.