§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the 356W annual cost of operating the Metrication Board; and what estimate he has made of the cost in 1980.
§ Mr. EyreI have been asked to reply.
The annual costs of operating the Metrication Board since 1970, when it was set up, are as follows:
1970 £353,000 1971 £436,000 1972 £645,000 1973 £678,000 1974 £655,000 1975 £914,000 1976 £1,262,000 1977 £1,062,000 1978–79 £932,000 1979–80 £1,163,000(estimated) The Estimates for 1980–81 have not yet been prepared.
§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the Metrication Board.
§ Mr. EyreI have been asked to reply.
The future of the Board, and other public bodies, is being reviewed. As soon as a decision is reached, my right hon. Friend will make a statement.