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Metrication - epetition reply

3 January 2008

We received a petition asking:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to undertake to secure permanent derogation from those aspects of European Union directive 80/181which will, at the end of 2009, make the use of imperial units of measure illegal."

Details of Petition:

"Since 1995 we have been compelled to measure and price merchandise in metric units but allowes to show the imperial equivalent alongside. At the end of 2009 it will become illegal to make any mention of imperial units. The ban will apply to all products, packaging, advertisements, magazines, catalogues, etc. The economic and social effects of this ban will be wide ranging. Industries which export world wide will have major problems - many parts of the world still employ imperial standards. Spare and replacement parts for existing equipment built to imperial standards will cease to be available - it will not be possible to package, advertise or catalogue such items. Thousands of citizens with interests in vintage vehicles, preserved railways, model engineering, etc. will be deprived of legal access to tools and materials to pursue their interests. Public opinion is firmly in favour of retaining the option to use imperial units of measure if they so wish."

Read the Government's response

It has been UK Government policy since 1965 to gradually change over from imperial to metric units of measurement. The metric system of measurement is now used for most transactions in the UK, although we have chosen to retain the pint for draught beer and cider and milk in returnable containers, the troy ounce for transactions in precious metals and the mile, yard, foot and inch for road traffic signs, distance and speed measurements.

However, the Government recognises that there are many in the UK who still feel more comfortable with, and therefore prefer to use, imperial units of measurement. The transition from units of measurement used for so long in so many transactions represents a fundamental change for many people. Therefore, although metric units are now used for most transactions in the UK, we negotiated a ten year extension, until the end of 2009, during which time imperial units may continue be used as supplementary indications alongside metric units. In light of the 2009 deadline, the European Commission undertook a review earlier this year to determine whether this deadline should be extended. The UK has engaged positively with the Commission on this issue. The Government has argued strongly that labelling in dual imperial and metric measures should be extended indefinitely past 2009 and has encouraged UK businesses to do the same. As a result, the European Commission has proposed that the use of imperial units alongside metric units should continue to be permitted indefinitely past 2009. This proposal is now subject to agreement by the European Parliament and the European Council.

It is also important to note that the directive does not apply to products already on the market before 20 December 1979 or to 'spare parts' required for those products.

The Government remains committed to its policy of continuing to encourage the adoption of the metric system in the longer term and it believes that this progressive approach to metrication where appropriate, allowing for gradual adjustment over time, is the right approach.

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