§ The Earl of Kimberleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement about the consultations concerning the proposals for financing Ordnance Survey by a Trading Fund.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Bellwin)The 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, my right honourable friend is satisfied that they can be met within a trading fund system. My right honourable friend has 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.