asked the Minister for Agriculture the action he proposes to take to ensure an easy transition to metric weights and measures in the live and dead weight meat trades.

Preparations for the change to the metric system in the live and dead weight meat trades began in early October when charts and tables showing conversions from imperial to metric weights were issued to marts. The use of these aids and the display of the metric weights of animals sold in the ring helped to familiarise mart personnel, farmers and buyers with the new system. In addition, before the change over date, which was 3rd January, 1977, supplies of new conversion charts and tables, this time showing conversions from metric back to imperial weights, were widely distributed. My Department also produced a pocket-sized ready reckoner which included live and dead weight conversions for cattle, sheep and pigs. This reckoner was issued to marts, meat factories and to advisory staffs and has met with a substantial demand from the public.

The imperial equivalent of the metric weight of all lots in the sales ring will continue to be shown until the public become familiar with the new system.

Are conversion books available for consumers?

Yes.

Are free copies issued to them?

Yes. Copies of the book are available in the Department and are issued to anybody who requests them.

Must they be requested?

Yes, but anybody who makes a request to the Department will be supplied with one. We have also made them available to marts and interested bodies.

Does the Department recommend that marts display both systems?

We recommend that and have asked marts to continue to do so until the people are familiar with the new system.