§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Meteorological Office for 2000–01. [120296]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office is responsible for providing meteorological and related environmental services, including climate change prediction, to a wide range of customers, including the armed forces, Government, civil aviation, shipping, emergency services, media, commerce, industry and general public. It also undertakes research related to meteorology and climate. During 2000–01, the Meteorological Office will be set the following challenging targets:
Key Target 1:
To achieve a value for the Numerical Weather Prediction Index of at least 101.6 index points on 31 March 2001, from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 2000;Key Target 2:
To achieve a value for the Service Quality Index of at least 107.1 index points on 31 March 2001, from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 1997, in line with customer requirements. The Index covers representative services and products for defence, civil aviation, public and business customers;Key Target 3:
To achieve a value for the Efficiency Index of at least 103.7 index points on 31 March 2001, from a baseline of 100.00 on 31 March 2000;Key Target 4:
642WTo achieve an overall return on capital employed in 2000–01 of not less than 0 per cent., while returning an operating profit of at least £13.7 million before strategic investments;Key Target 5:
To achieve strategic investments in 2000–01 of at least £13.5 million.Key Target 6:
To achieve a total contribution from commercial activities in 2000–01 of not less than £3.575 million.In addition, a new Staff Skills Index will be developed during 2000–01. The aim will be to establish a baseline of staff competency levels, derived from the Meteorological Office's new competency-based method of staff appraisal, so that sensible targets can be set and announced for subsequent years.