USE OF THE PHRASE TON OF BRICKS

Early day motion 2893, tabled 19 March 2012 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 7 members.

That this House notes the reports in the BBC and other media outlets of the intention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to come down like a tonne of bricks on wealthy people who sell properties through offshore companies to avoid stamp duty; recognises that this is part of a trend of metrication of traditional British phrases; believes that, given that a ton is greater in weight than a tonne, this understates the Chancellor's commitment to action; accepts that there is merit in using some metric units for measurement, but regrets the unnecessary metrication of traditional British phrases; and calls on the BBC and other media to cease the metrication of traditional phrases forthwith before people end up being exhorted not to give another 25.4 millimetres rather than not giving another inch.

Signatures by party: Labour 3, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 1.