Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
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Changes to UK's National Measurement Infrastructure
The National Weights and Measures Laboratory is to change its name to the National Measurement Office on 1 April 2009.
The move reflects the fact that the NMO will expand to assume responsibility for the National Measurement System with the Unit responsible transferring from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
The National Measurement Office will continue to be an Executive Agency of DIUS and will be responsible for all aspects of the national measurement system, which includes investment in the UK's scientific measurement infrastructure and policy on national legal measurement.
Commenting on these developments, the Chief Executive Peter Mason said:
"I am delighted we are taking on the responsibility for all aspects of the national measurement system, including investment in the UK's scientific measurement infrastructure and policy on national legal metrology. The name change and the Agency's expanded role allow us to reposition ourselves closer to the more common international position where scientific metrology and legal metrology are closely aligned.
"This Agency has taken on a number of additional responsibilities in the last four years and the result of each one of these extensions has been to make this Agency a stronger and more effective partner to colleagues across Government looking for solutions which require either modern, innovative policy-making or the ability to provide strong support to UK industry and innovation through the effective application of both scientific and legal measurement.
"As the National Measurement Office we will look forward to continuing to work with our stakeholders in what we hope will be an exciting period where we will be able to make even more of the UK's measurement capabilities".
Notes to Editors
1) The National Measurement Office (NMO) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
2) NMO's mission is to provide a measurement infrastructure which supports innovation, facilitates fair competition, promotes international trade and protects consumers, health and the environment.
3) The heart of NMO's work lies in the commissioning of scientific measurement research covering a wide range of scientific fields that deliver benefits across the whole economy. NMO also maintain and improve the primary and national standards which underpin the system of traceable measurements in the UK. Key areas that NMO are involved in where scientific measurement has an important impact are healthcare, environmental monitoring, health and safety and structural integrity.
4) NMO's principal policy responsibility arises from the Weights and Measures Act 1985 which helps ensure consumers and businesses remain protected against short measure and other offences. Their legislative portfolio now includes responsibility for gas and electricity metering and hallmarking. They have also obtained contracts to enforce the RoHS and Batteries regulations on behalf of BERR.
5) For media enquires only contact Matt Barker in the DIUS press office on 0203 300 8126.
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