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News Archive 2007

3/05/2007

Miles, yards and pints are saved after Conservative lobbying pays off

The threat to miles, yards and pints is now off the agenda after the European Commission agreed that imperial measurements are good for business.

The end of EU inspired metrication was sparked following sustained lobbying by Conservatives in the European Parliament.

Industry Commissioner Verheugen confirmed yesterday that "dual marking" of goods in imperial and metric will “continue indefinitely”.

Thanks to pressure from the Conservatives, Commissioner Verheugen agreed that it was good news for British and European industry to keep imperial measurements as it would make it easier for them to sell to the United States.

Jonathan Evans says: "I am pleased that the Conservatives have persuaded the Commission that it is good not only for international business but for the British people that traditional measurements are kept.

“I just hope there won't be any more need for metric martyrs and that the government will avoid forcing metrication down the public's throat."

The Conservatives originally obtained a derogation from dual marking in the Units of Measurement Directive 1999. Commissioner Verheugen announced on Wednesday 2nd May that he would bring forward a proposal to make the derogation permanent.

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