§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the consultations on his proposals for financing Ordnance Survey by a trading fund.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe report on consultations has been laid before Parliament today. The consultations were carried out mainly through the Ordnance Survey consultative machinery; they were far reaching and produced a very full response. They clearly showed the wide ranging interest in the Ordnance Survey and the high regard in which its work is held. While appreciating the concerns which were expressed, I am satisfied that they can be met within a trading fund system. I have concluded that the Ordnance Survey would have a secure future as a trading fund, combining a high standard of service to customers with efficiency and value for money in the use of public resources.