§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have been held with the dairy industry with a view to implementing metrication; what views have been expressed to him by the National Farmers' Union; and if he is aware of the popular resentment at such metrication.
§ Mr. PeartAs I explained in my reply to the then hon. Member for Truro on 11th June 1974—[Vol. 874, c.517]—the farming organisations asked my predecessors to support their intention to adopt metric units in agriculture and after further consultations it was decided that the change should be centred on the farming year 1975–76. The joint committee of the Milk Marketing Board and the Dairy Trade Federation has agreed that sales of milk from the farm to dairies should take place in litres from 1st October 1976. So far as retail sales are concerned, Questions about the size of containers for retail sales are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection.