§ 52. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the estimated cost of changing Great Britain's signposts, milestones, guide books, car indicators, etc., from miles to kilometres.
§ Mr. William RodgersChanging road signs in Great Britain would cost between £7 million and £8 million at current prices, including £6 million-£37 million to convert speed limit signs in one operation. No estimates have been made of other costs, many of which would depend on the length of the preparation period for any changeover.
§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will make a statement on the Government's position concerning any change in the unit of measurement from miles to kilometres.
§ Mr. William RodgersThere is no question of any change for a long time. A decision in principle to adopt the metric system was taken by the Government in 1968 and an obligation to do so was accepted under the Treaty of Accession to the EEC. However a move from miles to kilometres would be preceded by extensive consultation and a planning period of about five years would then follow. No review of the matter is required before the end of 1979, and I shall not be making one sooner.
§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of cost in changing sign posts from miles to kilometres.
§ Mr. William RodgersI refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall).