HC Deb 26 March 1969 vol 780 cc299-300W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what joint ventures with private firms he is proposing for his Hydrographic Department.

Dr. David Owen

The Hydrographic Department has currently a very wide range of co-operative ventures with private firms. These cover the development of equipments and techniques as well as the operation and servicing of equipments in use.

Additionally data from surveys compiled by private firms is sometimes incorporated in Admiralty charts which are of course sold by commercial firms.

All this co-operation will be continued and extended as appropriate.