§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's latest annual efficiency target is; and if it has been achieved. [15362]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 16 November 2001]: DEFRA's public service agreement target on efficiency is to achieve a reduction of 10 per cent. in the unit cost of administering CAP payments by March 2004, and 95 per cent. electronic service delivery capability for such payments by March 2004. We are currently on track to meet this commitment by December 2004 and the recent creation of the Rural Payments Agency will play a crucial part in delivering this.
DEFRA is committed to establishing a strong efficiency programme, based on robust measurement. As part of this programme, we are developing efficiency measures covering all aspects of the Department.