HC Deb 16 July 1987 vol 119 cc601-2W
Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements his Department now has, following the abolition of the Directorate of Overseas Surveys, for providing aid in mapping to developing countries; and what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that such arrangements are effective.

Mr. Chris Patten

The Directorate of Overseas Surveys was absorbed into the Ordnance Survey as its Overseas Surveys Directorate in 1984. It continues to provide a range of services to aid recipient countries. These include surveys, advice and institutional support. Under arrangements agreed between the Ordnance Survey and the Overseas Development Administration, such work is commissioned and funded on a project basis. In addition, the Overseas Development Administration provides funding for certain core services which amounted to about £1.3 million in 1986/87.

The Overseas Surveys Directorate programme and funding are reviewed at an annual meeting between the Ordnance Survey and the Overseas Development Administration.

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