HC Deb 17 May 1960 vol 623 cc1070-1
6. Mrs. Slater

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to the joint report of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Association of British Chambers of Commerce on the conversion of weights and measures to the decimal system.

Mr. Maudling

I am considering this very interesting report.

Mrs. Slater

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the numerous reports which have been issued on this subject over the years, and, in particular, that part of the Hodgson Report which deals with it, suggest that it is now time that some decision should be taken quickly in the interests of trade and of easier teaching in our schools?

Mr. Maudling

These axe exceedingly difficult questions which have been discussed publicly for a century or more. As there have been only a few days since the last report came out, I hope we may be given more time to consider it. These are the sort of things upon which informed public discussion and comment are particularly useful.

Mr. Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that public opinion is very well informed on this matter already, and even better informed than the Government, and does he not agree that the time has now come to introduce the decimal system?

Mr. Maudling

I think the hon. Member is arrogating to himself a greater knowledge of public opinion than I would be prepared to do.