HC Deb 07 June 1978 vol 951 cc195-6
33. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what communications he has received from the EEC about metrication.

Mr. William Rodgers

None, Sir.

Mr. Winterton

I am grateful for that brief reply. Is the Minister aware that the future of the EEC has nothing to do with changing from miles per hour to kilometres per hour and changing our mile signs to kilometre signs? What would be the cost of changing over to the metric system on our highways? Is the Minister aware that the British people are proud of their identity and do not wish to change?

Mr. Rodgers

We have been round this particular course on several occasions at recent Question Times. I have made clear that my own rather simple view is that I like kilometres abroad and miles at home. The only obligation on the United Kingdom is to review the matter. That will be time enough to discover how much it would cost. I do not know the cost now.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members on the Government Benches are absolutely delighted at the Government's attitude to metrication? Will he explain to the Leader of the Opposition, who is not in the Chamber—

Mr. Skinner

She is at the Derby.

Mr. Heffer

—that the Conservative Party was not responsible for metrication being scuttled? There was a vast phalanx on this side of the House which was totally opposed to the concept of metrication. Does he agree that our attitude basically was responsible for sinking this issue, I hope, once and for all?

Mr. Rodgers

Fortunately, I am not responsible for metrication as a whole. It would be wise for me to limit my answers to questions relating to miles and kilometres. My view is that the question of miles and kilometres is in some respects an unusual one. It is difficult to see what benefits would come from a change.

Sir A. Meyer

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of his or any of his colleagues receiving many representations for the restoration of duodecimal currency? When did he last hear a plea for the restoration of the sixpence?

Mr. Rodgers

If the representations had been made, they would not have been received by me. However, the hon. Member is making a wider point. I might not dissent from his view on that matter, but the subject of miles and kilometres is somewhat different.