§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in view of the opinions expressed by some of the representatives at the Imperial Conference, the Government propose to take steps and, if so, what steps to establish a decimal system of coinage and a metric system of weights and measures simultaneously in the United Kingdom and in His Majesty's Dominions overseas?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question so far as it relates to weights and measures. Some of the representatives of the Dominions expressed themselves as theoretically in favour of a change, but recognised the practical difficulties which would attend it, and the resolution put forward was withdrawn by its proposer. The Government do not propose to take any steps in the matter. As regards the question of coinage, perhaps the hon. Member will address the Treasury on the subject.
§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department will bear the matter in mind?
§ Mr. BUXTONWe had a discussion on the matter at the Imperial Conference which I attended and a Motion was moved. On behalf of my Department I made a general statement with regard to our conviction of what appeared to be the insuperable difficulties in the way. I will not say in consequence of my speech, but, after discussion of the matter, the resolution was withdrawn.