HC Deb 05 August 1965 vol 717 cc421-2W
Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps he is taking to introduce the metric system in the construction industry.

Mr. C. Pannell

I am looking to the British Standards Institution to act as the focal point for the change. I understand that the Building Divisional Council of the B.S.I. have already put the preparatory work in hand and will be ready to consult the industry and the professions early next year. They will then draft a timetable for the change and will seek the industry's agreement to it. If the construction industry can agree through the B.S.I. to make the change in a systematic and orderly way, I can foresee that there will be great opportunities for advance in standardisation, dimensional co-ordination and the manufacture of building components for export.