The assertion of John Gardner that the requirement for traders to convert to metric is wrong in law, which was published in your February 4 edition, is false.
Mr Gardner quotes from a legal opinion which is at odds with those of Government lawyers and this department.
Traders who follow Mr Gardner's advice and refuse to change will be breaking the law.
Trading standards officers do not make the law but we are charged with the responsibility of enforcing it.
This we do in respect of protecting vulnerable people from cowboy builders, sales of unroadworthy cars, dangerous products as well as the legality of sales of fruit and vegetables.
We approach enforcement in a way which is appropriate to the risk to the consumer, where fraud is evident, we prosecute, in other cases we advise and assist traders to comply.
I am surprised and disappointed at your publication of a clear incitement to break the law, it can only have the effect of diverting scarce and valuable resources from the high priority work of protecting consumers to dealing with a doomed campaign orchestrated by the UK Independence Party and the British Weights and Measures Association.
If your readers need advice on weights and measures, they should contact the trading standards department.
Our advice is impartial and accurate.
P.G. CREWDSON
County Trading Standards Officer
Cornwall County Council