§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Vetting Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111743]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 6 March 2000]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Vetting Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member. 712W
availability meets the requirement as defined in the Annual Agreed Training Requirement where we aimed for 100% but only achieved 99.7%.Letter from Michael Wilson to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 8 March 2000:
I have been asked by the Secretary of State, in view of my responsibilities as Chief Executive of the Defence Vetting Agency, to provide a detailed response to your Named Day Written Question 111743.The DVA was set 6 Key Targets in 1998–1999, relating to quality, timeliness and efficiency. The performance of the Agency against these is reflected in the Annual Report and Accounts, which is available in the library of the House of Commons. The complete list of Key Targets and their achievement is shown below.1. To maintain quality standards to a 95% level through compliance with agreed procedures, and to develop quality improvement targets in the light of a Defence-wide customer survey. Achieved.713W2. To complete 85% of Security Checks (SC) within 6 weeks. Achieved.3. To complete 71% of Counter Terrorist Checks (CTC) within 6 weeks. Achieved.4. To complete 85% of Developed Vetting (DV) checks within 6 months. Achieved.5. To reduce the 1997/1998 average times for SC, CTC and DV by 5%. SC and CTC achieved. DV not achieved - failed by 6%.a. As explained in the Annual Report, this was a new target in 1998/1999, and each of the individual performance indicators was to be reviewed in the light of performance achieved. Thus, there was known to be some uncertainty surrounding these targets from the outset.b. Each DV case involves at least one face-to-face interview with the vetting subject, and a number of further interviews with their referees. The number of referees interviewed varies from case to case depending on information available. And the time it takes to arrange and complete all the interviews on any particular case is very variable. For reasons that are not altogether clear, it proved more difficult in 1998/1999 than in 1997/1998 to line up Service personnel in the Army and in the RAF for interview. High turbulence may be a factor.c. Failure against the target has not caused undue difficulty for the Services. The same target has been set for 1999/2000, and looks like being met.6. To maintain the 1997/1998 Unit Cost of Output. Achieved.In 1999–2000 the agency will be preparing to collocate at York from its existing locations in central London, Portsmouth, Woolwich and Corsham. In view of this, no improvement in performance has been anticipated during the period.I hope this explains the position. Please let me know if you require further information.