asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has satisfied himself regarding the progress in relation to the conversion to metric weights and measures in the grocery trade; if he will make a statement regarding the uniform nature or otherwise of this programme; and if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties currently being experienced by some grocers, who have converted to kilos for the sale of such goods such as fresh meat because of the lack of proper enforcement of the regulations in all areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Conversion to Metric Weights.
65.
I am satisfied with the progress made in relation to the changeover to the metric system of measurement in the economy generally and in the grocery trade in particular. In the area of prepackaged goods the changeover is virtually complete with quantity being indicated in metric on practically all packages. Various regulations relating to packaging and labelling require that quantity be indicated in metric sizes although in most cases imperial sizes may also be indicated. In 1989 the EC Council of Ministers is due to set a date for ending completely the use of the imperial system of measurement.
Regulations relating to the indication of prices of foodstuffs sold in bulk or prepacked in variable quantities, for example, fresh meat, require that the unit price of the product be indicated in metric terms, that is the price per kilogram or per litre. The corresponding unit price in imperial terms may also be indicated but may not replace the unit price in metric terms.
The level of compliance with the unit-pricing regulations is not satisfactory and the efforts of my Department to improve the situation are continuing. I am confident that these efforts will bring about greater compliance with the regulations.