§ 30. Mr. Speedasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will announce the name of his Department's representative on the Metrication Board.
§ 32. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether his Department will be represented on the Metrication Board.
§ Mr. MellishMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology is considering the membership of the Metrication Board. the interests of the construction industry will be well represented.
§ Mr. SpeedDoes not the Minister agree that the construction industry is already in great difficulty due to the delay in setting up this Board, which has a four-year programme in which to work? Will he bring pressure to bear upon his right hon. Friend to get this Board set up as soon as possible?
§ Mr. MellishThe construction industry will be one of the first to go metric. It has a fine record. I agree that it is important that the Board should be set up, and we want the best people on it. I can give an assurance that the construction industry will be well and truly represented on it.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkCan the Minister give an assurance that the decision to go metric was not taken without a feasibility study, and that if so his Department took part in it?
§ Mr. MellishIn what we have done we have carried the industry with us. It has taken the initiative. My Ministry will be going metric in its design work next year. I pay tribute to the industry for playing an important and progressive part in this matter.