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		MEP to challenge EU on Pounds & Ounces Tuesday, 21st October 2008 A local MEP has welcomed the British government's decision to advise councils not to prosecute traders for selling goods in Imperial measures. But he is concerned that the law is still on the statute book, and that traders selling a pound of potatoes are still committing a criminal offence, even though they may not be prosecuted. Conservative MEP Roger Helmer says "We've only won half the battle. It's good that traders can keep using pounds and ounces without fear of prosecution. But it brings the law into disrepute when we have a clear law on the statute book, which is then set aside by executive discretion. The EU must now amend the relevant directive, and the British government must amend the UK law accordingly". He will now be calling on the European Commission to change the law. Helmer points out that the government's decision is just one of a string of populist measures -- for example, Immigration Minister Phil Woolas's demand for new immigration controls -- which suggest that Gordon Brown may be toying with the idea of an early election. Helmer is calling for clarity and certainty on pounds and ounces -- and for the government's change of heart to be made permanent He also commends the leader of the Metric Martyrs, Neil Herron, who has campaigned tirelessly for traditional British units.