§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Technology what is his estimate of the gross cost of metrication, leaving possible savings out of account; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Benn:Attempts to make a meaningful estimate have been made, but it has proved impossible to separate the costs of the adoption of metric units from the costs of other changes undertaken at the time to modernise equipment, designs and measurement practices. The Government have accepted the view of industry that the adoption of the world system of units will benefit our balance of payments and trade and education, but these benefits cannot be quantified.