HC Deb 19 May 1982 vol 24 cc347-8
19. Mr. Dover

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to involve the private sector in the activities currently undertaken by the Ordnance Survey.

Mr. Heseltine

In my statement to the House on 22 July 1981 I encouraged the Ordnance Survey to engage in joint ventures with the private sector for the profitable use of the Ordnance Survey topographical archive. This policy is being actively pursued. Several joint venture publications have appeared and more will follow.

The Ordnance Survey is also proposing to involve private sector survey firms in some of its basic survey and mapping activities. Invitations to tender for two pilot projects appeared last week. The results will be evaluated and, if successful, further survey and mapping projects will be included in plans for future years.

Mr. Dover

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that private enterprise firms are very unhappy about the slow progress in this area? They believe sincerely that they can carry out the work more quickly and more cheaply.

Mr. Heseltine

I take my hon. Friend's views seriously. I have made it clear to private sector firms that I am only too anxious to hold proper discussions with them. I was not aware that their feelings were as strong as my hon. Friend suggested.

Mr. Newens

Does the Secretary of State recognise that many people who have great knowledge of such matters consider that the steps that he has taken to involve the private sector will reduce the quality of the work that has been established over many years? In those circumstances, will he review what he is doing and ensure that we can maintain the long-established standards of the Ordnance Survey?

Mr. Heseltine

There is no question of reducing the standards. I believe that the combination of public and private sector expertise in this area will enhance both opportunities and standards.