HC Deb 13 December 1989 vol 163 cc736-7W
Mr. Janman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the future of Ordnance Survey.

Mr. Trippier

As Britain's national mapping organisation, the Ordnance Survey has earned wide respect and recognition for its surveying and cartographic activities. At the same time, the Government have encouraged Ordnance Survey to develop and expand its business on increasingly commercial lines. It is therefore proposed that Ordnance Survey should become a next steps agency and this is expected to take place in 1990.