Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre

Mr. Alan Keen
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre fo1997–98. [12216]

Mr. Spellar
The Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre exploits analyses and exploits imagery from all available sources and produces intelligence products and services to meet central MOD and operational command requirements. The targets set for the 12 months from April 1997 are:

Key target 1: To respond to all operational tasks, which might involve the detachment of up to 22 service personnel. Tasks are to be met within agreed timescales as follows: 98 per cent. of priority 1 tasks90 per cent. of priority 2 tasks85 per cent. of priority 3 tasks

Key target 2: Subject to achieving key target 1, the agency's programme of work, including standing intelligence requirements and support to contingency planning, will be met within agreed timescales as follows: 90 per cent. of priority 2 tasks85 per cent. of priority 3 tasks75 per cent. of priority 4 tasks70 per cent. of priority 5 tasks

Key target 3: In conjunction with the Defence Analytical Services Agency, to establish a baseline for measuring customer satisfaction by October 1997, and to improve the quality of customer service by March 1998.

Key target 4: To achieve a 2.5 per cent. improvement in efficiency.

Key target 5: To ensure the upgrade of JARIC's technical capabilities meets its planned operating capability by March 1998.

Key target 6: To conduct trials and studies to support the procurement of reconnaissance systems in response to MOD agreed tasking, meeting time and quality requirements within agreed resources.