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BY MIKE HARRISON
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALLAN GLENWRIGHT

A landmark case on metrication is due in court in January. Is the case of Steven Thoburn about to set a precedent for shopkeepers using Imperial measures?

On 7 November Sunderland Magistrates Court was faced with the case of market trader Steven Thoburn. Did he break the law prescribing the way that loose goods have to be measured out for sale, as Trading Standards Officers claim? The case was adjourned for a three-day trial starting on 15 January. It is expected eventually to reach the House of Lords on appeal at a cost that could run into seven figures.

Some observers are watching the case closely - not with any concern for the innocence or guilt of the individual concerned, or even the specific issue of metrication. Rather, the outcome may be used by those with political motivations to illustrate an 'us versus them' issue over EU control.

In fact, Steven Thoburn's alleged offence arises not from politics, or dishonesty. It is claimed he continued to use a set of scales measuring in pounds and ounces long after the deadline in January this year which made only metric units legal for the pricing of loose goods.

Certain political bodies, including the UK Independence Party, have questioned the validity of the Weights and Measures Act in England and Wales. They have already put up five-figure sums in an attempt to show that the Act is flawed by improper deference to the powers of the European Community. This is being countered by equally heavyweight lawyers for Sunderland Council. The outcome of the case is crucial to the continuing work of Trading Standards Departments up and down the country.

However, Trading Standards Officers also point out the need for a level playing field. Traders who have complied with the law should not face unfair competition from others who exploit public confusion over prices by using mixed units.

The point of no return was probably reached under Prime Minister John Major in 1994 when his government passed legislation timetabling the abolition of imperial measures. He wanted to persuade the European Commission that Britain was truly a 'metric' nation and so free up trade restrictions.

December 2000| January 2001

Steven Thoburn: Accused of using Imperial scales after the January deadline.

'Traders who have complied with the law should not face unfair competition from others who exploit public confusion over prices'

The schedule reached its climax in January this year when it became illegal to price loose products in imperial units. However, misinformation abounds; it's become an urban myth that it's an offence to ask for an imperial quantity. The customer who wants a pound of bananas can have them - or as close as they come to that amount. The only rule is that the weighing is done accurately in kilograms and the price calculated from a display of price per kilogram.

In spite of frequent arguments that British consumers don't understand metric units, a recent survey by the National Federation of Consumer Groups found that three quarters of respondents agreed with or accepted the statement: 'Britain should complete the change to metric in everyday life as soon as possible.'

In the UK, metrication should not be a political issue. The game of pass-the-metric-parcel has finally stopped with Tony Blair. Now is the time for his government to give the British public and small businesses support, understanding and a clear lead.

* The case of Steven Thoburn is scheduled to be heard on 15 January and is set to last for three days. Should the outcome have been decided before the editorial deadline, the result and reaction to it will be published in the February/March issue of First Voice.

For the full article, see pages 17 and 34 of the December/January 2000 issue of First Voice

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