§ 12. Mr. Owenasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that India has introduced the metric system; and, in view of the growing tendency of Commonwealth countries to favour this system and the effect on Commonwealth trade, whether he will now give further consideration to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Hodgson Committee.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)I am keeping in touch with developments. I cannot add to previous statements that Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to proceed with the recommendation that the imperial system of weights and measures should be abolished in favour of the metric system.
§ Mr. OwenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the House has now been waiting for many months for an opportunity to discuss the recommendations in that Report? Surely the House is entitled to have that opportunity, in view of those recommendations.
§ Mr. ErrollThere are a number of opportunities for a private Member to raise the subject if he wishes.