Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the retail trade on the introduction of metric units of weight; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowThe current series of discussions on the introduction of metric quantities in the retailing sector, in particular for foodstuffs, began in 1969 when several conferences were organised by the BSI between manufacturers and retailers at which my predecessors were represented. Since then the Metrication Board has been formed and has set up steering committees for the consumer goods and distribution industries at which metrication issues are discussed. Officials of my Department regularly attend these committees. Under the provision of the Weights and Measures Act, we shall be consulting, among others, the retail trade before introducing any orders permitting the use of metric units of weight for goods for which quantities are prescribed.
Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to amend the Weights and Measures Act to ensure that foodstuffs which require to be sold, if prepacked, in standard imperial units of weight will be sold in metric units; and what metric weights will be substituted for the existing imperial weights.
§ Mr. OnslowOur consultations with industry and consumer interests will enable us to decide when it would be most appropriate to seek to amend the provisions of the Act to permit the sale of these classes of foodstuffs, but I cannot forecast any timing until these dis-168W cussions are further advanced. So far as is practicable, I should expect the metric quantities introduced to be simple fractions of the kilogramme or of the litre.
Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he will take to protect consumers when metric units are introduced for foodstuffs in the retail trade.
§ Mr. OnslowI would draw my hon. Friend's attention to paragraphs 68 and 69 of the White Paper on Metrication, Cmnd. 4880. We are discussing this in more detail with the industries concerned and with groups representing consumers, and would welcome suggestions from other interested parties.
Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he anticipates that the European Economic Community Council directive number 71/354 relating to units of measurement will be applied in Great Britain in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. OnslowAs indicated in paragraph 31 of the White Paper on Metrication, Cmnd. 4880, we have until 31st August, 1976, to agree with the Community the future status of the imperial units presently in use in this country. Where no decision has been reached by that date the units concerned will be authorised for continuing use until 31st December, 1979.