Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 27 November 2006.

EU: Non-metric Terms

Question: My Lords, can the Minister be a little bit bolder on modernisation, bearing in mind the Labour pride in past modernisation? Is he not aware that metrication is wanted by the vast majority of trade associations in this country and in the other member states, including some of the new ones? Why do we not press ahead with it, allowing for the consultation and bearing in mind that even the youngest school child understands the metric system in this country perfectly, unlike the noble Lord, Lord Pearson of Rannoch?

Answer: My Lords, of course there are arguments on both sides. There are those who support the metric lobby and there are others, not necessarily the youngest people, who are more comfortable with imperial measurements. We need to take both strands of opinion into account. The European Commission is looking at the area, so we should await its consultation before holding our own in this country.

Secondary information