Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 September 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 19 September 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how Consignia measures and calculates its quality of service targets; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how Consignia measures and calculates its quality of service targets; and if she will make a statement. [73231] Ms Hewitt: Targets for scheduled services and standards are set in the licence issued by the Postal Services Commission (Postcomm) and agreed between Consignia and the Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch). The system for measurement of performance against those targets is a matter for the company. However independent auditors appointed by Postwatch conduct ongoing audits of the figures to ensure that the reported results are calculated correctly and are an unbiased representation of the actual quality of service. As this is an operational matter for the company I have asked Consignia's Chief Executive to write direct to the hon Member.

Secondary information