§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many representations he has received from branches of the National Farmers Union requesting that his Ministry should take appropriate action to ensure that farming will, for all practical purposes, be using metric systems of measurement by the end of 1973;
(2) if his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Metrication Board, 76W a copy of which has been sent to him, that the change to metrication in farming will begin in 1972 and will for all practical purposes be completed by the end of 1973; and what proposals he has to ensure that this target date is fulfilled;
(3) what is the expected expenditure of his Department in 1971–72 and 1972–73 in issuing information and guidance in order to ensure that farming will, for all practical purposes, be using metric systems of measurement by the end of 1973;
(4) what proposals he has to publish the 1972 Price Review showing both metric and imperial units of measurement, and to publish the 1973 Price Review showing only metric measurements;
(5) on what dates he was consulted by the Metrication Board before the decision was taken that farming should switch to the use of metric measures by the end of 1973 rather than by 1975.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI have received no representations such as my hon. Friend mentions. I have seen a copy of the earlier advertisement by the Metrication Board to which my hon. Friend refers; and also a copy of the Second Report of the Metrication Board "Going Metric—Progress in 1970" published on 6th April, which makes it clear that there is to be further consultation within the agricultural industry and with the Agricultural Departments. It would be premature to forecast what decisions will be reached, and the other consequential points my hon. Friend raises do not arise at this stage.