B R I T I S H W E I G H T S & M E A S U R E S A S S O C I A T I O N

The fact is that from 1st January 2000, everything that is to be measured for sale must be measured and priced in metric units. This is the tyranny imposed upon us by the Conservative Party in 1989.

The Euro-Tory press release conceals the fact that our smug MEPs made no attempt to win a renewal of the right to use pounds and ounces exclusively for the sale of fresh fruit and other loose goods. This right is to be abolished on the 31 December.

All that has actually happened is that the European Parliament has finally ratified the Amending Directive announced last February so that, under the metrication laws, Imperial units can be used as "supplementary and subordinate indicators". Neither Brussels nor Westminster, however, has the right to give or take away permission to supply any "supplementary" information. The only legal requirement is the display of the metric units.

The Euro-Tory press release has merely added to the prevalent confusion. It has strengthened the false assumption that in ten years time the EC will have the power to cancel the right to show "supplementary" information.

For the MEPs to pose as the people's champions, while betraying their interests, for the sake of attracting publicity, is beneath contempt. Freedom of choice will be restored, and the Imperial system preserved, thanks to a rebellion by traders and consumers, but no thanks to MEPs.

Press release distributed by David Delaney, BWMA Hon Public Relations Officer, Mortimers Cross Mill, Leominster, HR6 9PE, (Tel: 01568 708 820, FAX 01568 708 765, e-mail dtdelaney@compuserve.com).