§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets he has set for the Forensic Science Service Agency for 1998–99. [40529]
§ Mr. StrawI expect the Forensic Science Service (FSS) Agency to continue to improve its efficiency and effectiveness during 1998–99.
The financial targets for 1998–99 are to recover full economic costs; to achieve a unit cost efficiency improvement over the three years ending 1998–99 of 9 per cent.; to meet 90 per cent. of delivery dates agreed with customers; to maintain accreditation to the National Measurement and Accreditation Service and the International Organisation for Standardisation 9001 standards and to audit customer satisfaction through a biennial external survey.
The FSS is looking to increase output by 32 per cent. over the next two years to improve further its service to the criminal justice system. This will mean the creation of around 300 jobs.
The FSS will also continue its pioneering research programme. Over the last two years, around £6 million has been invested in new developments, mainly in DNA services.