<P> Metrication in the United Kingdom, the process of introducing the metric system of measurement in place of imperial units, has made steady progress since the mid--20th century but today remains equivocal and varies by context . Most of government, industry and commerce use metric units, but imperial units are officially used to specify journey distances, vehicle speeds and the sizes of returnable milk containers, beer and cider glasses (though fresh milk is often still sold in multiples of pints, with the metric equivalent also marked). Imperial units are also often used to describe body measurements and vehicle fuel economy . In schools metric units are taught and used as the norm and imperial units that remain in common usage in the UK must also be taught . </P> <P> Adopting the metric system was discussed in Parliament as early as 1818 and some industries and even some government agencies had metricated, or were in the process of metricating by the mid 1960s . A formal government policy to support metrication was agreed by 1965 . This policy, initiated in response to requests from industry, was to support voluntary metrication, with costs picked up where they fell . In 1969 the government created the Metrication Board as a quango to promote and coordinate metrication . In 1978, after some carpet retailers reverted to pricing by the square yard rather than the square metre, government policy shifted, and they started issuing orders making metrication mandatory in certain sectors . In 1980 government policy shifted again to prefer voluntary metrication, and the Metrication Board was abolished . By the time the Metrication Board was wound up, all the economic sectors that fell within its remit except road signage and parts of the retail trade sector had metricated . </P>

When did we go from imperial to metric