HC Deb 17 March 1938 vol 333 cc577-8
44. Viscountess Astor

asked the Home Secretary the number of proceedings and convictions for being under the influence of drink while in charge of a car in England and Wales during the calendar year 1937?

Sir S. Hoare

The number of such proceedings in England and Wales was 3,028, and 2,469 convictions were recorded at courts of summary jurisdiction. In addition, in 166 cases the persons were committed for trial, but the results in these cases are not yet available.

Viscountess Astor

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Transport whether he intends taking any action upon the report of the committee of the British Medical Association, which was set up by his predecessor, and which stressed the danger of drivers taking even the smallest quantity of alcohol? Will he say whether anything is to be done, seeing that so many lives are endangered?

Commander Marsden

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the number of cases in which the people convicted of being in charge of a car were not even seated in the car or attempting to drive?

Mr. H. G. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman also give us the number of sober persons who were proceeded against last year?

Sir S. Hoare

It would be very difficult for me to deal with all those questions outside a Debate. The Noble Lady had better address her question direct to my colleague.

Viscountess Astor

May I ask the present Minister of Transport, seeing how much publicity the late Minister of Transport got—

Mr. Speaker

rose—