Ordnance Survey

Mr. Arbuthnot
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions his Department has had with the independent mapping sector on the effect on that sector of its proposals for Ordnance Survey in drafting its consultation on Re-mapping the future for Ordnance Survey.

Mr. Ian Austin
In developing policy proposals for Ordnance Survey, officials in Shareholder Executive have had a number of meetings and conversations with individuals, companies and organisations from the private sector geographic information market. The purpose of these was to understand better the external environment in which Ordnance Survey operates. Independent consultants working for Shareholder Executive have also had similar meetings. The purpose of the forthcoming consultation is to hear further feedback on the policy proposals from all interested parties.

Mr. Arbuthnot
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what account he takes in his formulation of policy on the mapping sector of the effect on the independent mapping sector of his Department's support for the activities of Ordnance Survey.

Mr. Ian Austin
The Government recognise that Ordnance Survey operates in a commercial marketplace and any change must be implemented carefully to reflect this. The purpose of the forthcoming consultation is to hear further feedback on the policy proposals from all interested parties, including the independent mapping sector.