To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what performance targets have been set for the Ordnance Survey Department and Executive Agency in 1999–2000. [80066]

The following performance targets have been set for Ordnance Survey in 1999–2000:

1. To achieve a revenue target of £83.4 million (excluding the National interest in Mapping Service Level Agreement);

2. To achieve a return on sales (excluding the National Interest in Mapping Service Level Agreement) of not less than 5 per cent.;

3. To ensure that, by 31 March 2000, 98.8 per cent. of existing major detail is surveyed and available to customers in the National Topographic Database at any one time. The target will increase to 99 per cent. by the year 2001;

4. In order to provide a quality service to customers, to despatch 92 per cent. of small scale products within 5 working days.

These targets have been reviewed in the light of Ordnance Survey's change to a Trading Fund from 1 April 1999. They demonstrate the Agency's continuing commitment to customers whilst increasing the emphasis on key financial monitors.