HC Deb 07 December 1936 vol 318 cc1639-40
59. Mr. MESSER

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of recent experiments and investigations at the National Institute of Industrial Psychology, the conclusions of which have still further enforced the findings of the British Medical Association on the relation of small doses of alcohol and unreliability in motor driving; and whether he will take steps, in view of the toll of road accidents, to bring this matter prominently once more to the attention of the motoring public?

Captain HUDSON

Yes, Sir, the institute furnished my right hon. Friend with a copy of the report of a preliminary study of the relation of alcohol to road accidents, based upon a series of experiments, the results of which are stated to indicate that even moderate quantities of alcohol tend to make A, driver accelerate unconsciously and maintain a less steady course. The report received considerable notice in the Press, and I do not doubt that the hon. Member's question will serve to draw further attention to it.

Mr. MESSER

Does that mean that it is generally admitted that spirits are better in the carburettor than in the stomach?