Metrication Board facts for kids

The Metrication Board was a special group in the United Kingdom. It was like a government agency, but it worked a bit more independently. Its main job was to help the UK switch from old measurements (like inches and pounds) to the metric system (like metres and kilograms).

This board started in 1969 and finished its work in 1981. It was created to help everyone in the country get used to metric measurements.

Why Change to Metric?

For a long time, people in the UK used measurements like feet, pounds, and gallons. But many other countries used the metric system. This made trade and business harder.

In 1949, a group called the Hodgson Committee looked into this. They said the UK should switch to metric measurements within ten years. They also thought the UK should use decimal money, like 100 pence in a pound.

At first, the government didn't agree. But by the 1960s, things changed. More British businesses wanted to use the metric system. It was becoming clear that it would help the UK trade with other countries.

In 1965, many big companies told the government they wanted to go metric. They thought it would be good for business. So, the UK decided to start a plan to switch over.

Setting Up the Metrication Board

In 1968, the government officially announced its plan. They said:

• The goal was to finish switching to metric by 1975.
• A new group, the Metrication Board, would be set up to help.
• New laws would be made if needed.
• Businesses would have to pay for their own changes.

The Metrication Board started its first meeting in May 1969. Its job was to "consult, advise, inform, stimulate and coordinate." This meant they would talk to people, give advice, share information, encourage changes, and make sure everything worked together.

The board had eight main committees. Each committee focused on a different part of the country's life, like:

• Farming and fishing
• Shops and food
• Schools and training
• Factories and engineering
• Energy and power
• Building and materials
• Transport and communication
• Sharing information

Many industries had already started using metric measurements before the board even began. The board helped to make sure everyone was on the same page.

The Plan for Metrication

In 1972, the Metrication Board shared a detailed plan. They explained why switching to metric was important for the UK's economy. They also talked about how the change would happen.

Unlike when money went decimal all at once (called "Decimal Day"), the metric change would happen slowly. Different parts of the country would switch at different times. The board stressed that everyone needed to work together. If only some parts went metric, it would cause problems.

What the Board Achieved

The Metrication Board helped many areas of British life switch to metric. Here are some examples of when different areas completed their change:

• 1970: Electric cables, aircraft designs, metal trading, flat glass.
• 1971: Paper, coal mining designs, medicines.
• 1972: Steel industry, building rules.
• 1974: Fabric and wool sales, clothing (using both old and new units).
• 1975: Shops selling fabrics and floor coverings, post office prices, medical practice.
• 1976: Large sales of petrol, farming and gardening.
• 1977: Animal auctions.
• 1978: Solid fuel (like coal), cheese wholesaling, London markets for goods.
• 1977-1978: Pre-packaged foods in shops started using metric units.

Ending the Board's Work

In 1979, a new government came into power. A politician named Sally Oppenheim became the Minister for Consumer Affairs. She had often criticized the metric plan.

In November 1979, she announced that no more laws would be made to force metrication. Any future changes would be voluntary. The next year, in 1980, the Metrication Board was closed down. It was one of many government groups that were ended around that time.

Even after the board closed, metric units were used in many important areas. These included schools, farming, building, factories, and most pre-packaged foods. However, the UK was not fully metric. Some things, like road signs for distance, still used old measurements.

Similar Groups Around the World

Other countries also had groups like the Metrication Board to help them switch to metric:

• Australia had the Metric Conversion Board (1970).
• Canada had the Metric Commission.
• Hong Kong had the Metrication Committee.
• New Zealand had the Metric Advisory Board (1970).
• South Africa had the Metrication Advisory Board (1967).
• The United States had the United States Metric Board.