HC Deb 19 May 1982 vol 24 cc334-5
4. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is now in a position to make a statement on the future of the Ordnance Survey.

Mr. Heseltine

No. I am still considering my proposals and will make a statement as soon as I can.

Mr. Bennett

I congratulate the Secretary of State on that consistent reply and on his incisive decision making. He has been telling the House the same thing since before the Christmas Recess. Is it not high time that he put forward proposals so that those who work for the Ordnance Survey do not have such continuing uncertainty? Does he agree that it is essential for good government to have good maps for planning and defence as well as for leisure and recreation?

Mr. Heseltine

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for praising my consistency. The fears expressed do most to undermine the confidence of the staff. I do not wish to contribute to that situation. My plans for the Ordnance Survey will enable it to build on its success.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

Is the Secretary of State aware that the continuing uncertainty is causing anxiety to employees of the Ordnance Survey, many of whom live in my constituency? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that his statement will be not in answer to a written question on a Friday afternoon, but in the House so that we can ask him questions about it?

Mr. Heseltine

I am not unsympathetic to that request. The Minister responsible has seen the staff side and offered to have further meetings. Depending on the scale of any announcement, I shall discuss with my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House the precise form in which I should make my views known to Parliament.

Mr. Ancram

During my right hon. Friend's continuing deliberations will he bear in mind the legitimate fears and interests of the private map-making firms, such as Bartholomews in my constituency? Will he ensure that any decision does not undermine their position by creating competition which is either unfair or subsidised?

Mr. Heseltine

I am sympathetic to my hon. Friend. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has already seen the representatives of the private map-makers to see how we can draw together the respective strengths of the private and public sectors.

Dr. David Clark

If the Secretary of State is not yet in a position to make an announcement, can he at least say whether any of the bodies that he has consulted over the Ordnance Survey's change of status are in favour of the change? Has he any proposals to establish an advisory panel, as suggested by the Serpell report?

Mr. Heseltine

When I make my statement I shall let the House know the results of the consultation process. I am considering setting up an advisory body. It is important to consider the matter carefully and to get the decision right. There is no need for fear or apprehension about what I am trying to achieve. I am trying to build on the Ordnance Survey's success.