§ Mr. NAYLORasked the Minister of Agriculture why the item for impressions of the one-inch or smaller scale maps, printed direct from the copper-plate, has been withdrawn from the catalogue of Ordnance Survey productions, though there is a demand for such impressions by an influential section of the public; whether the copperplates are still in existence and in such condition as to make it possible for the Survey Department to supply these prints; and whether he will give instructions that this particular form of map shall again appear in the catalogue at an early date?
§ Major BARNSTONThe item referred to has been withdrawn from the catalogue of Ordnance Survey productions as a result of an investigation made by the Ministry in 1914 into the number of forms of the one-inch scale map. There were then five forms of this scale map, a number of which tended to confuse buyers and sellers alike and interfered with the sales. There will, in future, be two forms only, both in large sheets, one coloured and one in outline. In my opinion the needs of those who require an outline map have been fully met by the issue of the edition printed from zinc, which was approved by the chief representative engineering: bodies in the country. The copper-plates of the previously issued one-inch maps are still in existence, but it would be unwise and costly to revert to their issue, and I am not prepared, therefore, to give instructions of the nature suggested by the hon. Member.