Dystopian future where humans are smaller

[KindleReader]

Hi,


Read this sometime between 1972 and 1977, possibly a short story in a collection, possibly a novel. Set in a future England(?) the protagonist eventually discovers that the constant changing from one measurement system to another (starting with decimalisation in 1972, metric in early 1970's, and which continued throughout the story's future history) was a plot to stop people from comparing heights/weights etc. with historical ones, at the same time as genetically engineering humans to make them smaller to take up less space / energy / food etc. Constant programme of demolition and rebuilding turns out to be making smaller houses for the next generation of smaller humans to increase population density. Male protagonist finds an old teacup (or broken handle?) in some earthworks(?) and realises it is too big for him to hold and so guesses the truth.


Sorry, I can't remember what happened next.

 

[Cat's Cradle]

*BUMP* Oh, I hope someone can think of the title--this sounds really good!! If you find out before any of our experts get back to you, KindleReader (I am primarily a Kindle reader myself, these days!), please let us know! Best of luck, CC

 

[chrispenycate]

Manalone Colin Kapp. Manalone by Colin Kapp

And he finds the broken handle of a teacup, but assumes it's a teapot during a lot of the novel.