§ Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is the estimated cost of the changeover to metrication in the years 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978, respectively.
§ Mr. John FraserIn none of the countries which have changed over to metric has it been possible to estimate the costs of metrication. The same is true for this country. In many sectors the cost of conversion is already over and the costs in the remaining sectors can be minimised if the changeover is
522Wment in, British tea-producing companies overseas are not separately distinguished but are included in the statistics published annually in the Business Monitor M4, Overseas Transactions for overseas affiliates engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing. The figures for this group for the years 1970 to 1974 are given below, but, in order to avoid disclosure of confidential information, they are given only for India and for the total of the other countries specified. Figures for 1975 will not become available until next year.
properly co-ordinated. The need for co-ordination is one of the main reasons why the Weights and Measures, &c. (No. 2) Bill was introduced and, given the powers contained in the Bill, the Government will be able, after consulting the interests concerned, to ensure the orderly completion of the metric changeover.