NON-METRIC WEIGHING AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS (Banning of)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Law and Science and Technology, in order that the metric system will be fully implemented, if he will consider introducing legislation to set a target date banning the use and sale of any non-metric weighing and measuring instruments in Singapore.

Mr Lim Chee Onn (Bukit Merah) (for the Minister for Law and Science and Technology): Sir, the Government's policy is one of gradual conversion to the metric system. In other words, conversion will be implemented in phases after consultation and agreement with retailers, manufacturers, traders and importers. The metrication programmes for the public sector and the industrial sector have been completed, and the conversion of the retail trade sector is now under implementation.

It is not intended at this stage to set a target date banning the use of non-metric measuring and weighing instruments. Legislation will only be introduced in stages to ensure that there is no regression in areas which have been successfully convened into the metric system.