§ Mr. Philip Hollandasked the Minister for Trade when he last conducted an overall review of the national metrological co-ordination unit in accordance with the requirement laid down in section 7 of "Non-Departmental Public Bodies: A Guide for Departments"; on what grounds he decided to retain the body and what areas for savings in finance and Manpower were identified.
§ Dr. Vaughan[pursuant to his reply, 29 November 1982, c. 62]: The national metrological co-ordination unit is a statutory body responsible under the Weights and Measures Act 1979 for co-ordinating enforcement of the average quantity system for packaged goods. The unit, which came into operation in 1980, currently has eight members—unpaid—six full-time staff and cost £160,000 in the last financial year. We reviewed the unit in June and concluded that it is working effectively. No areas for savings were found.