2.56
The overall programme envisaged a time factor of some three years for an almost complete change-over to metrication. It was conceded that in certain Offices, particularly Crown Lands and Survey Office and Electrical and Mechanical Office implementation, albeit that the period of greatest activity would fall within the three year period, would nevertheless be required to extend in diminishing form for several years beyond.
2.57
The year 1972/73 heralded the initiation of the programme; particularly in respect of Stage 1.
2.58
The period 1973/74 saw further and more intensive development and in Stage 1 an expenditure of $344,000.00 was committed by way of procurement of metric equipment, machines, drawing implements, scales, aids, conversion tables, including the printing of induction course notes, displays and metric instruction. In Stage II a general induction course was carried out at professional and technician level throughout the staff of Public Works Department and selective courses were given within the Structural & Civil Engineering and Electrical & Mechanical disciplines. Stage III was initiated within certain Offices who commenced design procedures using S.I. units and design criteria. All Offices reported generally that they are maintaining their respective programmes although inevitably some will fail in details to meet their programme whilst others may be ahead; it is not anticipated that any of these divergences from the programme will lead to serious consequences by way of retardment of metrication within the Department.
2.59
During the latter part of 1973 the Metrication Executive Unit became a leading presence in the preparation of the draft Enabling Legislation which will allow for the replacing in enactments of non-metric units by metric units (S.I.) within the territory and for enabling such other legislation as may from time to time become necessary to make metrication effective to be placed before the Legislative Council.
2.60
The Metrication Unit has largely influenced the Colonial Secretariat in the preparation, for placing before the Legislative Council, of submissions which if accepted will establish a body equivalent to the Metrication Board in the United Kingdom, which will be responsible for the induction of metric working throughout Government and the various segments of the private sector.
2.61
The Metrication Unit has been included in the working party charged with preparing draft proposals for the new Weights and Measures Ordinance particularly on those aspects concerning metrology.
2.62
The Unit provides information on metrication matters to other Government departments and the private sector and with D.P.W.'s approval is represented on the Metrication Sub-Committee of Hong Kong Institute of Architects.
2.63
In conclusion it can be summarised that 1974/75 was a year of continuing implementation of metrication. Expenditure to the end of March 1975 was in the sum of $884,150.53. Offices had indicated their needs for additional funds due to escalation and also to the 'unknown quality' factors in their original estimates - approval for an additional $527,000 has been sought from Deputy Financial Secretary.
17
2.56
The overall programme envisaged a time factor of some three years for an almost complete change-over to metrication. It was conceded that in certain Offices, particularly Crown Lands and Survey Office and Electrical and Mechanical Office implementation, albeit that the period of greatest activity would fall within the three year period, would nevertheless be required to extend in diminishing form for several years beyond.
2.57
The year 1972/73 heralded the initiation of the programme; parti- cularly in respect of Stage 1.
2.58
The period 1973/74 saw further and more intensive development and in Stage 1 an expenditure of $344,000.00 was committed by way of procurement of metric equipment, machines, drawing implements, scales, aids, conversion tables, including the printing of induction course notes, displays and metric instruction. In stage II a general induction course was carried out at professional and technican level throughout the staff of Public Works Depart- ment and selective courses were given within the Structural & Civil Engineering and Electrical & Mechanical disciplines. Stage III was initiated within certain Offices who commenced design procedures using S.I. units and design criteria. All Offices reported generally that they are maintaining their respective programmes although inevitably some will fail in details to meet their programme whilst others may be ahead; it is not anticipated that any of these divergences from the programme will lead to serious consequences by way of retardment of metrication within the Department.
2.59
During the latter part of 1973 the Metrication Executive Unit became a leading presence in the preparation of the draft Enabling Legislation which will allow for the replacing in enactments of non-metric units by metric units (S.I.) within the territory and for enabling such other legislation as may from time to time become necessary to make metrication effective to be placed before the Legislative Council.
2.60
The Metrication Unit has largely influenced the Colonial Secretariat in the preparation, for placing before the Legislative Council, of submissions which if accepted will establish a body equivalent to the Metrication Board in the United Kingdom, which will be responsible for the induction of metric working throughout Government and the various segments of the private sector.
2.61
The Metrication Unit has been included in the working party charged with preparing draft proposals for the new Weights and Measures Ordinance particularly on those aspects concerning metrology.
2.62
The Unit provides information on metrication matters to other Government departments and the private sector and with D.P.W.'s approval is represented on the Metrication Sub-Committee of Hong Kong Institute of Architects.
2.63
In conclusion it can be summarised that 1974/75 was a year of continuing implementation of metrication. Expenditure to the end of March 1975 was in the sum of $884,150.53. Offices had indicated their needs for additional funds due to escalation and also to the 'unknown quality' factors in their original estimates - approval for an additional $527,000 has been sought from Deputy Financial Secretary.
17
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