HC Deb 22 April 1969 vol 782 cc247-8
29. Mr. Rossi

asked the Minister of Public Buildings and Works what further progress has been made towards metrication in the construction industry.

Mr. Mellish

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to a similar question from the hon. Member for Meriden (Mr. Speed) on 11 th March—[Vol. 779, c. 1159.] Steady progress is being made in accordance with the agreed metrication programme.

Mr. Rossi

In the absence of progress by this Board, which was announced in July last, and which the right hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friend stated would meet in March, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the great unhappiness in the construction industry at being left out on a limb in this fashion?

Mr. Mellish

It is not so despondent as all that. In fact, the construction industry has set up its own machinery to deal with metrication. It will welcome the setting up of the Board, and it is important that upon that Board there is a construction representative who will earn the respect of the rest of the industry. I have endeavoured to do that, and I hope that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Technology will make a statement shortly.