HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 c362
21 and 22. Sir D. Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what instructions have been given, a ad under what powers, requiring the dimensions on plans accompanying applications for planning permission to be expressed metrically;

(2) what instructions have been given, and under what powers, requiring the dimensions on plans submitted in accordance with building regulations to be expressed metrically.

Mr. Peter Walker

No such instructions have been given.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Would my right hon. Friend take that gratifying answer a little further and issue guidance to local planning authorities that they should not individually impose any such requirements in respect of plans accompanying these applications?

Mr. Walker

We are considering what advice to give local authorities on this subject. Certainly we shall not be suggesting that they impose this particular system.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Would my right hon. Friend say why the competition for the new parliamentary building was conducted entirely in metric?

Mr. Walker

That is a question of which I should need notice.