METRICATION (Progress report)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology whether any survey has been carried out by the Metrication Board to ascertain the percentage of the population conversant with the use of the metric system and whether there is the need to intensify efforts to familiarise the people with the use of the metric system.

Mr Barker: Sir, a survey of housewives was carried out in October 1975 to determine their level of metric awareness. The survey showed that only about 50% of the housewives were familiar with the use of the system. The Metrication Board has since then embarked on an intensive campaign to educate the public by way of inter-school metric competitions, quizzes and even telemetric shows. Weekly "Metrication and You" exhibitions have so far been held in nine community centres and will be carried out finally in all constituencies. Members will perhaps agree with me that the conversion to the use of the metric system is a long-term process and must be implemented unhurriedly and in phases.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the results of the survey showed that only 50% of housewives were aware of metrication, will the Hon. Minister agree with me that the so-called exhibition at markets which provides the necessary information to housewives concerning metrication should be stepped up and that more personnel should be deployed to explain the conversion, so that more housewives will be conversant?

Mr Barker: Sir, even some Members of Parliament have helped to explain. Perhaps when we reach Punggol, the Member will do his best to help. But it is a difficult process. Our people are more used to katis and tahils than to grams, litres, metres or centimetres. I am more used to feet and yards. I know what six feet is. But when someone says 1.8 metres, it does not strike a bell. The conversion must take time.

Mr Ho See Beng (Khe Bong): Sir, I would like to know whether the Minister will consider holding an exhibition in this Chamber for Members of Parliament to learn the conversion before they go out and teach the housewives?

Mr Barker: With the permission of the Speaker, I would say yes.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, for the information of the Minister, I have taken part in such a campaign. As I have said, would he not step up the effort of the Metrication Board to encourage housewives to know more about metrication? I feel that the facilities accorded at such an exhibition stall at markets are grossly insufficient. I notice that the officials of the Metrication Board simply handed out pamphlets. If I can recall, with your permission -

Mr Speaker: Mr Ng, the question you have put is not a supplementary question.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: In any case, Sir, will the Minister take note of my comments?

Mr Barker: I certainly will, Sir.