§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking towards the establishment of a trading fund for the ordnance survey.
§ Mr. KingIt remains the Government's intention that the Ordnance Survey should develop as an efficient and cost-conscious organisation maintaining high standards, and they believe that a financial structure, such as a trading fund, which would enable Ordnance Survey to operate with greater commercial awareness, is the best means to this end. I am, however, aware of the concern that has been expressed, both in Parliament and elsewhere, about my proposals, and I have accordingly decided to seek the views of the Ordnance Survey Advisory Board.