David Cameron was probably not taught how to manipulate imperial figures at school. He might not know how to add up 3 lb 4oz, 5 lb 14 oz and 6 lb 5 oz. It gets even more difficult using a calculator. However Philip Hammond, the new transport minister who is a few years old than Cameron might just remember how to do it.
_____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Stephen Humphreys Sent: 08 June 2010 22:50 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:47571] Re: UK Transport Minister banishes metric in all official communications Please be aware that there is a change of government. The main part of the new government (the Tories) advertised themselves as 'Saving the pound and the ounce for Britain' in a recent euro-election leaflet. If I was a betting man - I would bet a huge sum that David Cameron is not pro-metric. And now he is prime minister. I would not be surprised if this is the first of many moves that could lead some to believe this govt as 'anti-metric'. It could get very interesting/disappointing/pleasing (delete depending on your personal view) > Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 20:29:12 +0100 > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Subject: [USMA:47570] Re: UK Transport Minister banishes metric in all official communications > > > UK government policy on metication is, to quote one recent Prime Minister: > > "that the United Kingdom should - in stages - switch from imperial to metric units of measurement for an ever-increasing range of uses" > > If the Express story is true (we have to treat it with caution) then Hammond is exceeding his authority. He has no right to obstruct the free use of metric units in department publications. The metric system is the offical system of measurement in the UK except for road signs (as required in the Units of Measurement regulations 1986). Civil servants are bound by this. > > This politician and any others who attempt to halt or reverse progress toward honesty in measurement should be sacked. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "ezra steinberg" <[email protected]> > To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]> > Sent: Monday, 7 June, 2010 8:13:56 PM > Subject: [USMA:47547] UK Transport Minister banishes metric in all official communications > > > Is this barmy or what? Hammond has clearly gone 'round the bend ... > > http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/179560/This-U-turn-on-metric-is-miles-be tter > > Ezra > _____ Get a free e-mail account with Hotmail. Sign-up <http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/197222280/direct/01/> now.
