HC Deb 10 March 1999 vol 327 cc207-8W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which targets the Army Technical Support Centre did not meet in 1997–98; and what monitoring he has undertaken for those targets in 1998–99. [72817]

Mr. Doug Henderson

[holding answer 25 February 1999]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Technical Support Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Brigadier A. D. Ball to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 10 March 1999: I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Key Target achievement for 1997–98 for the Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA), as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the ATSA. As reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts, ATSA did not achieve 2 out of its 9 key Targets set for 1997–98. These were:

  • Key Target 1: Influence equipment design by attaining an involvement of 80% of MoD(PE) ILS projects wherein ATSA's contribution is equal or greater than one half man-year of effort.
  • Key Target 9: Respond to 100% of Equipment Failure Reports (or equivalent) submissions within 14 calendar days of receipt.
These Key Targets were both new for that year and were untested for achievability when set. They subsequently proved unreasonable within the Agency's operating resource constraints. The Agency's actual achievement and the business impact for each target was analysed by the Agency's Owner, the Director General of Equipment Support (Army) (DGES(A)). Despite non-achievement, the customers remained satisfied with the Agency's performance in both areas over the year. Both targets were more precisely defined and agreed by the Owner and customers so as to meet more effectively their needs through the following year. Performance against the subsequent Key Targets for 1998–99 is monitored by the Chief Executive and the Executive Management Board of the Agency on a monthly basis. This performance is reported quarterly to the Agency's Owner and annually to Ministers through publication of the Next Steps Report and the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts. Key Target achievement is also considered by the National Audit Office during the annual submission of the Accounts for external audit. As at 26th February 1999, the Agency is on target to achieve these redefined Key Targets for 1998–99. I hope that you find this information helpful.