----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, 2001-03-20 13:47 Subject: [ukma] Reply to MP's questions My MP (Nigel Jones) finally submitted some questions, and the answers appear in yesterday's Hansard: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200001/cmhansrd/cm010319/text/103 19w01.htm#10319w01.html_sbhd6 Weights and Measures Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the financial effects on traders who (a) have and (b) have not complied with regulations requiring loose goods to be sold in metric units. [154136] Dr. Howells: Most imperial weighing machines can be converted to metric at an average cost of �100 per machine. The price of a new metric weighing machine starts about �450. No assessment has been made of the financial effects of non-compliance because it is expected that the conversion will be completed in the near future. 19 Mar 2001 : Column: 4W Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards compliance with regulations requiring loose goods to be sold in metric units. [154135] Dr. Howells: It is expected that the remaining imperial machines will be converted to metric or be replaced by metric weighing machines in the near future. Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effectiveness and compliance of United Kingdom legislation introduced as a result of Directive 80/181/EEC. [154190] Dr. Howells: The conversion of all weighing machines to metric units, as required by Directive 80/181/EEC as amended in 1989, has taken longer than expected, but is expected to be completed in the near future. Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the number of imperial weighing machines still in use in the United Kingdom. [154134] Dr. Howells: There are approximately 160,000 weighing machines in use for the sale of goods loose at the point of sale. The Department understands that nearly 130,000 are now metric and that just over 30,000 are still imperial. Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what circumstances he uses the powers available to him under section 71 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 to seek to encourage proper enforcement by local weights and measures authorities of legislation introduced as a result of Directive 80/181/EEC; and if he will make a statement. [154140] Dr. Howells: The Department considers that local weights and measures authorities have taken steps to secure compliance with regulations on units of measurement that implement Directive 80/181/EEC as amended. The Department will consider any representations alleging a lack of proper enforcement. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The last sentence is of particular interest, given that I have complained to the DTI about lack of enforcement on several occasions! Chris
