asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the recent 25 per cent increase in charges for maps by the Ordnance Survey Office.

The increase in the price of maps which took effect from 1 January 1978 provides for normal cost increases in wages and materials, and also a further element to narrow slightly the gap between the actual cost of production and the selling price of Ordnance Survey maps, which will still be heavily subsidised. The price increase was approved by the Prices Commission.

When was the most recent previous increase?

The increase in the price of maps took place on 1 January 1978.

When was the most recent increase previous to that one?

January 1977.

Would the Minister not agree that costs did not rise generally by 25 per cent in the year intervening between the last increase and the second last increase and that a 25 per cent increase is, therefore, a real increase to the people who are using those maps? Would the Minister say what his policy is in relation to this matter? Does the Minister intend that the charge should fully cover the cost?

I can give some information about the cost. The costs of the Ordnance Survey in 1978, including buildings and overheads, is estimated at £1,007,000 and the total estimated receipts for sales of maps and so on is £310,000.