§ SIR THOMAS DEWAR (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)To ask the President of the Board of Trade, having regard to the fact that the foreign trade of Great Britain is conducted mainly with countries where the metric system is in force, will he consider the advisability of taking steps to secure the universal adoption of that system in the United Kingdom.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I do not think my hon. friend correctly states the facts. Of the total value of the over-sea trade of this country in 1903,42 per cent., or less than one-half, was conducted with countries in which the metric system is in force. I do not see my way at present to propose a measure for the compulsory adoption of the metric system in this country, but I may remind my hon. friend that the use of the metric system was legalised for all purposes some years ago, and that it is therefore open to any person trading with foreign countries to make use of it.