HC Deb 17 May 1971 vol 817 cc204-5W
73. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many countries other than the United Kingdom have not adopted the metric system; and which countries have indicated that they do not intend to convert, from information available from international sources.

Mr. Ridley

So far as we are aware there are 14 independent states in which non-metric units are principally or exclusively used. There are also the remaining British dependent territories.

So far as we are aware there is no country which has committed itself not to convert to metric units.

74. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what countries, now using the metric system, have decided to convert into the Systeme Internationale d'Unites, from information available from international sources.

Mr. Ridley

According to our information out of the 130 or so countries which employ the metric system 19 have formally adopted the International System of Units and another five are currently preparing the necessary legislation.

Following are the two lists:

  1. (a) Austria.
    • Belgium.
    • Brazil.
    • Bulgaria.
    • Czechoslovakia.
    • Finland.
    • France.
    • Federal Republic of Germany.
    • East Germany.
    • Hungary.
    • India.
    • Japan.
    • Netherlands.
    • Poland.
    • Romania.
    • Spain.
    • U.S.S.R.
    • Venezuela.
    • Yugoslavia.
  2. (b) Denmark.
    • Italy.
    • Norway.
    • Portugal.
    • Switzerland.