B R I T I S H

W E I G H T S

&

M E A S U R E S

ASSOCIATION

PRESS RELEASE

EMBARGOED TO THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 2000

PUBLIC HOSTILE TO NEW COMPULSORY METRICATION LAW

LITTLE SUPPORT FOR UK GOVERNMENT'S ENACTMENT OF EUROPEAN LAW

A new survey of public attitudes carried out by BMRB International, the independent market research company, reveals that:

·Over two thirds (67%) of the UK public say that they disagree with the law making metrication of Britain’s shops and markets compulsory.

·Only 16% support the legislation to any degree, and only 7% say they agree strongly.

·Women are particularly hostile:

- over seven out of ten (71%) women say they disagree and over half (52%) say that they disagree strongly

- only 12% of women agree with the new law, and only 4% agree strongly.

·There is a clear majority against compulsory metrication across all ages, even including the 15-24s (nearly six out of ten - 57% - disagree, while only 17% agree) and the 25-34s (65% disagree, 16% agree).

·Although supporters of compulsory metrication are outnumbered everywhere, there is some support amongst the influential minority responsible for making the law: upmarket metropolitan men. 21% of the AB social group and 19% of those living in London say they support the law to some extent. But even here the new law's opponents are still far more numerous, with six out of ten ABs and six out of ten Londoners disagreeing.

The Survey

1,015 adults aged 15+, and selected to represent an accurate cross-section of the UK public, were interviewed by BMRB International between 14th and 16th January 2000. The question they were asked was: "This year, under the new metrication law, it became a criminal offence - punishable by a fine of up to £2,000 or even a possible prison term - for shopkeepers to measure out goods like fruit and vegetables in pounds and ounces. Do you agree with this law?"

They were offered a choice of five answers: From 'Yes - strongly agree' through to 'No - strongly disagree'.

The British Weights & Measures Association says, "This survey confirms that the growing number of traders defying the new metrication law are simply giving their customers what they want."

For further information CONTACT: Mr Vivian Linacre, BWMA Director 45 Montgomery Street, Edinburgh EH7 5JX (Tel. & FAX: 0131 556 6080)

For full details of the survey contact Mr Warwick Cairns, Director, Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO Ltd. Tel: 0171 616 3775.

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).

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