§ 48. Major GLYNasked whether the geographical section of the General Staff at the War Office is the only Government mapping department; whether the maps of this section can be made more readily available for other Government offices and on cost payment to Members of this House; and whether the catalogue of maps issued by the geographical section of the General Staff might be circulated as a Parliamentary Paper and facilities for purchase be made simple?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Sir A. Williamson)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The map section of the General Staff at the War Office is not the only Government Map Department; charts and maps are prepared by the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty and the Ordnance Survey Department. Maps produced by the General Staff, except some with secret information, are readily available for other Government Departments if required. A Catalogue of Maps is published (price 6d.) and advertised. A copy of this Catalogue is already placed in the Library of this House, and further copies will be supplied if desired. Catalogues will also be sent to Members on application being made to the War Office. Prior to the War, a copy of every map prepared by the General Staff which was on sale was sent to the Library, and this practice will be resumed. Members can obtain copies of these maps from the recognised agents, on payment of the published price, but I regret it is not possible to supply the maps to Members at a reduced rate. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the current Catalogue.