HC Deb 22 April 1969 vol 782 cc235-6
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the latest estimate he has made of the economic effect on the building industry of the introduction of the metric system; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellish

It is as yet impossible to work out a reliable estimate of cost. Much will depend on the place at which the change takes place; if it goes according to plan, increased costs should be kept to a minimum, and the counterveiling benefits will be that much greater.

Mr. Dempsey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain building interests have already reported that the introduction of the metric system will result in an increase of 1 per cent. in building costs, which will mean dearer homes, hospitals, clinics and so on? Would he care at this stage unequivocally to refute that claim?

Mr. Mellish

I could not refute such a claim because I am convinced that in the short term there will be increased costs. It is the long-term benefits of which there can be no doubt. It should be remembered that in the decision to go metric we have had the support of the construction industry as a whole. What the industry has already done in this connection is of great credit to it.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are disturbed to hear that no estimate has been made of the cost of this, particularly since it must be a relevant part of the whole change-over? Are not the industry and the country entitled to be given some idea of what this change will cost?

Mr. Mellish

If one is to make estimates one must be sure of the facts. We must first get the industry off the ground as it were from the point of view of going metric. We have already done an enormous amount of work in this direction. No doubt the time will arrive when we can give an honest estimate of the cost, but at this stage I cannot do that.

Mr. J. T. Price

Is it not a fact that whether or not we go metric the brick makers will continue to make bricks of the traditional size, 9 ins. by 4½ ins. or whatever it may be? Is not my right hon. Friend aware that those dealing with specifications involving brick work are faced with mathematical calculations involving three or four place decimals and are completely bewildered by this change? Is he also aware that bricks will not be altered in size, whatever the measurement is called?

Mr. Mellish

I trust that my hon. Friend does not think that he is the only person who has been dealing with brick problems. I have met representatives of the industry on this and other issues and I assure my hon. Friend that they have said nothing half as worrying as my hon. Friend's comments.