§ 44. Mr. COCKSasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a case which came before the Ealing bench of magistrates recently, in which it was pleaded on behalf of a motorist charged with dangerous driving, involving the death of a milk rounds-man, that he had been to the Chelsea Arts Ball and had fallen asleep at the wheel, and, further, that a man could not be held guilty when he was not aware of what he was doing; that the defendant was found guilty, was fined five guineas, and had his licence suspended for one year; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation providing for the imposition of minimum penalties for those found guilty of serious offences involving death on the roads?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir. I will certainly consider the hon. Member's suggestion in connection with any future legislation.