HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc300-1W
Mr. Ford

asked the Minister of Technology, when the first annual report of the Metrication Board will be published; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Benn:

The first Report of the Metrication Board is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House and in the Vote Office.

It covers the first five years of progress since the Government statement on metrication in May, 1965. A number of industries have already made the change. Many more have firm programmes which are now being implemented. There is now a growing emphasis on metric measurements throughout our educational system. The international background is of a growing determination on the part of many countries to adopt an international system of metric units. Since I addressed the House in July, 1968, Australia, Canada and New Zealand have decided to change to the international system of metric units and metrication is being actively studied at the request of Congress by the Government of the U.S.A.

The Government intend to introduce at an early opportunity legislation to remove barriers to metrication, to amend the Weights and Measures Act, 1963 and to give legal status to certain metric units which are not now recognised in law. The legislation will give statutory status to the Metrication Board, provide for the Minister of Technology to continue to receive advice on units and standards of measurement and determine the powers of the Minister in this field.

The main departments concerned with Government purchasing have already announced their programme for turning their orders over to metric specifications. The Government will continue to give full support to industry's plans for the use of metric units by specifying and purchasing metric supplies as and when this becomes practicable.

I should like to thank the Chairman of the Metrication Board, Lord Ritchie-Calder and the Deputy Chairman, Lord Bessborough, whose enthusiasm, understanding and single-mindedness have enabled the Metrication Board, the members of their sector steering committees and their staffs to produce this valuable record of progress. The Government are also indebted to a great number of representative organisations of industry, trade, commerce and the public, whose continuing support is essential to this important reform.