DEPARTMENT FOR
INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS News Release (040) issued by COI
News Distribution Service on 1 April 2009
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.