§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1973.
§ Mr. JuddFigures of actual expenditure are not available, but after taking242W credit for estimated receipts for the sale of charts and other services the net provision for the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1974–75 Defence Estimates is just over £8 million.
§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the revenue of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1973 (a) from the sale of charts and maps and (b) from other sources.
§ Mr. JuddReceipts from the sale of charts in 1973–74 were £1,475,000 and from other sources just over £100,000.
§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for expanding the commercial activities of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service.
§ Mr. JuddWhenever practicable, opportunities are taken to employ the Naval Hydrographic Service to the national benefit in commercial as well as defence tasks.
§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government propose to apportion some part of the cost of the Royal Naval Hydro-graphic Service to funds other than those of defence.
§ Mr. JuddIt has long been the practice that receipts for hydrographic services have been brought to account as appropriations in aid of defence funds.