HC Deb 18 July 1977 vol 935 cc331-2W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is his policy on the introduction of the Celsius scale of temperatures and the phasing out of the Fahrenheit scales.

Mr. John Fraser

On 7th July 1976 the House debated and accepted the then proposed EEC directive on units of measurement, subject to certain amendments outlined in the debate. The directive incorporating those amendments was finally adopted by the Council of Ministers on 27th July 1976. As part of our obligations under that directive regulations have already been made authorising the Celsius scale of temperature and further regulations will have to be made, before 31st December 1979, to cease to authorise the Fahrenheit scale. This will mean that where legislation at present refers to degrees Fahrenheit (F) it will be amended to refer to degrees Celsius (°C).

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what studies have been done to assess public understanding of Celsius scales as compared with the Fahrenheit scale.

Mr. John Fraser

I know of no studies which have been made to assess the present understanding of either the Fahrenheit or the Celsius (C) temperature scales. The Metrication Board has produced leaflets and displays to help people understand the Celsius scale for everyday purposes.

Forward to