§ 50. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what steps he has taken to warn the public of the close relation between road accidents and the drinking of alcohol.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterBy publishing the message inside the front cover of the Highway Code.
§ Mr. ThomasThat is not enough. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the B.M.A. has drawn attention to the increased danger on the roads caused by 1020 drinking alcohol and then driving a car? Is he further aware that almost every public house in the countryside is surrounded with motor cars at night and that the danger on the roads is thereby increased? Will he give further consideration to this matter?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAs the hon. Member may know, Professor Drew of Bristol University, together with the Medical Research Council, is at present conducting an investigation into this very difficult problem. I would prefer not to say anything more about it until I have his report.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes the Minister realise that our hoardings are covered with advertisements saying how valuable alcohol is under various conditions? Could he not do something to counteract that?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI really have nothing to do with the advertisements that appear on hoardings.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs a member of the Government, has not the right hon. Gentleman something to do with the advertisements that appear on Independent Television?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterAll sorts of things appear on television of all sorts.