HC Deb 23 May 1974 vol 874 cc241-2W
Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1973.

Mr. Judd

Figures of actual expenditure are not available, but after taking credit for estimated receipts for the sale of charts and other services the net provision for the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1974–75 Defence Estimates is just over £8 million.

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the revenue of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service in 1973 (a) from the sale of charts and maps and (b) from other sources.

Mr. Judd

Receipts from the sale of charts in 1973–74 were £1,475,000 and from other sources just over £100,000.

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for expanding the commercial activities of the Royal Naval Hydrographic Service.

Mr. Judd

Whenever practicable, opportunities are taken to employ the Naval Hydrographic Service to the national benefit in commercial as well as defence tasks.

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Government propose to apportion some part of the cost of the Royal Naval Hydro-graphic Service to funds other than those of defence.

Mr. Judd

It has long been the practice that receipts for hydrographic services have been brought to account as appropriations in aid of defence funds.