§ 1. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he proposes to lay orders to bring about metrication in the retail sector.
§ Mr. John FraserMost goods in the retail sector may already legally be sold in metric quantities but in the Weights and Measures Etc Act 1976 the Government took enabling powers to phase out the use of imperial units. My Department's report published earlier this year outlined a suggested framework for the completion of the metrication changeover, and detailed consultations are now taking place on this.
As a first step, orders cutting off imperial prescribed quantities for sugar and establishing metric prescribed quantities for cocoa and chocolate powders were laid before Parliament on 12th July.