31. Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will estimate the cost to British Railways of changing to the metric system of measurement.
§ Mr. MarshThis is a matter for the Railways Board. It tells me, however, that at this stage no worth while estimate can be made.
Mr. WilsonIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that this change will not cost the railways a lot more than might be thought? Is he aware that the 1921 railway amalgamation caused so many alterations of notices that the notices were not all completed by 1928? May he not find that the changes involved will be much more substantial than is now thought?
§ Mr. MarshThis is solely a question for the British Railways Board. The way the Board metricates the railways, if it does, and the cost, are matters for the Board. At this stage, the Board has no estimates but clearly will produce them before it goes ahead.
§ Mr. EnglishAs most of our railways are measured in feet and inches, can my right hon. Friend tell me what effect this change will have on British exports of railway equipment?
§ Mr. MarshLike all the rest of the Government's policies, I think that this policy will assist exports.