asked Her Majesty's Government:

What targets were set for the Forestry Commission Research Agency for 2000-01; and what targets have been set for 2001-02.

The targets for the Forestry Commisson Research Agency in 2000-01 and 2001-02 are as follows:

2000-01

1. To achieve a customer satisfaction rating of at least 96 per cent.

2. To increase the output of peer reviewed scientific papers submitted and subsequently accepted for publication by 10 per cent on the 1998-99 actual.

3. To have the work of Woodland Ecology Branch and the statisticians reviewed by visiting groups.

4. To hold the weighted average cost of a researcher day to the same level as 1999-2000 in real terms.

5. To achieve a 2 per cent reduction in real terms in the cost of support services.

6. To achieve 100 per cent cost recovery, including a return on capital employed of 6 per cent in real terms.

2001-02

1. To achieve a satisfaction rating for FC customers of at least 96 per cent.

2. To maintain the output of peer reviewed scientific papers submitted and subsequently accepted for publication at 2000-01 levels.

3. To have the work of Pathology Branch and Environmental Research Branch reviewed by visiting groups.

4. To hold the weighted average cost of a researcher day and support services at 2000-01 levels in real terms.

5. To achieve at least 99 per cent cost recovery including a return on capital employed of 6 per cent in real terms.

Copies of the Forest Research Agency's Corporate Plan for 2001-04, which contains more information about the agency's targets, will be placed in the Library of the House when it is published in May.