asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she is satisfied with the control on price increases which take place at the same time as the changeover to metric weights and measurements.

So far, yes. But I am keeping a close watch on the situation assisted by the Metrication Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will make a statement on the progress of metrication as it affects the responsibilities of her Department.

The metrication programme has now been under way for 10 years. I hope that all those parts of industry which have yet to complete the change will review their programmes in consultation with the Metrication Board. In those fields where there is direct Government responsibility I shall be aiming to ensure faster progress. But in doing so I shall pay particular regard to the need to protect the interests of the poor and the elderly during the change. In particular the Metrication Board has commissioned a report on the problems of the elderly from the Tavistock Institute.