Menwith Hill (Hansard, 25 October 1995)

§ Sir Paul Beresford

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to Ordnance Survey under its chief executive, Professor Rhind. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from David Rhind to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 24 October 1995: The Secretary of State for the Environment has asked me to reply to your Question about the depiction on Ordnance Survey maps of Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire. I have confirmed that the topographic feature, Menwith Hill, at National Grid reference SE1957, is included on Ordnance Survey maps and in our digital products at scale between 1:2500 and 1:50 000. It is omitted from the TravelMaster map at scale 1:250 000 due to the limited space available for features at this scale. However, it may be that your interest lies in the United States military establishment, Menwith Hill Camp, situated approximately one kilometre east of the hill. At present, the camp is named on the 1:25 000 scale Ordnance Survey Pathfinder map (Number 663) and on all larger scales of Ordnance Survey mapping. On the 1:50 000 scale Landranger map (Number 104), the camp is not named, but a number of the camp buildings, the internal roads and several radio masts are shown in a generalised way, consistent with the specification for the map. A review of the specification, insofar as it covers the depiction of security sites, has recently been completed by the various government departments concerned. The principle underlying the new specification is that sufficient details will be shown to satisfy the general map user whilst avoiding compromising the security and 728W safety of the site concerned. The protective marking and hence depiction appropriate for Menwith Hill Camp is currently under discussion between other parts of HM Government Survey has been informed of the outcome, our surveyors will revise the depiction of the site so that it conforms with the new specification. The timing of the revision will be dependent on the extent of the change involved. A number of considerations will determine whether the name of the establishment will be added if the site's protected status is amended or removed. In essence, at any scale of mapping, cartographic decisions have to be made about the amount of detail that can sensibly be shown at the scale, taking full account of map users' needs and priorities. In deciding whether to add the name, we would take into account the space available for it, the naming of Menwith Hill just to the west of the camp and features (topographic and textual) which would be of most use to Landranger users, as well as the need to conform with the rules on the depiction of security sites. I hope that the foregoing fully addresses your concerns but please let me know if you require any additional information or clarification.