HC Deb 17 November 1954 vol 533 cc377-8
25. Mr. Houghton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will alter the wording of the request to road users under the heading, "Remember Concerning Alcohol," in the second edition of the Highway Code, in such a way as to impress upon them the need for total abstinence when going to drive a motor vehicle.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion and will consider it, together with other comments made both in this House and in another place, before reaching my final decision about the wording of this advice.

Mr. Houghton

Does that reply mean that the right hon. Gentleman now expresses some dissatisfaction with the milk-and-water injunction against the taking of alcohol before driving which is contained in the new Highway Code?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Without accepting the hon. Member's rather stimulating analogy, I repeat that all I can say is that suggestions made for those parts of the document which are outside the Code—which the House has approved and therefore cannot be altered—will be looked at in the light of the debate.

Brigadier Medlicott

In the absence of the hon. Member for Ealing, North (Mr. J. Hudson), may I urge my right hon. Friend to look at this question with great seriousness, because this is a vital factor in road safety?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I agree that it is important to have this important factor rightly expressed, and for that reason I shall certainly take advantage of the comments that have been made in the House.