HC Deb 20 April 1896 vol 39 cc1267-8
MR. H. O. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether, in view of the fact that the Metric System of weights and measures has recently been adopted by Turkey, Russia, and Japan, and is now in use in all the civilised countries in the world with the exception of the British Empire and the United States of America; and in view of the fact that metric measurements have already been adopted with respect to the ton and for all purposes of pharmaceutical dispensing in the United States, Her Majesty's Government will take immediate steps to give effect to the practically unanimous recommendation of the Committee on the Metric System, with the object of placing this country on a level with other civilised nations in the matter of weights and measures?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

In answer to my hon. Friend, I have to say that the recital of facts in his Question is, I believe, correct; but I do not think it would be within the range of practical politics to impose by law on the inhabitants of this country so great a change in their ordinary habits as would be involved in giving effect to the recommendation of the Committee on the Metric System.

Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a Bill for this purpose has been introduced into the House of Representatives of the United States?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I believe that is so, but it has not passed yet. [Laughter.]

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, on hehalf of the Government, he will support an Amendment of the Standing Orders of the House by which the use of weights and measures of the Metric System may be permitted in the case of plans, specifications, etc., submitted to Private Bill Committees?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I believe that at present the Metric System is illegal in this country, but when the restrictions imposed upon its use are removed, it would follow, as a matter of course, that our Standing Orders would have to be altered also. But I think we could hardly alter the Standing Orders beforehand.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the law at the present moment that contracts may be made under the Metric System?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I think my hon. Friend is in error, but if he will put the Question I will make careful inquiry into the matter.