§ 31. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take by way of administrative action, consultation or advice, in order to reduce the marked increase of drunk-in-charge cases reported to the police in recent years; and whether, if his powers are insufficient for the purpose, he will promote legislation to enlarge them.
§ Mr. J. StuartIncreased penalties for being under the influence of drink or a drug when driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle are proposed in the Road Traffic Bill now before Parliament. In addition, both the Highway Code and the pamphlet "Sense and Safety," which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation issued last January, stress the danger of such practices.
§ Mr. HannanWould the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the latter part of my Question? Is he satisfied, for example, that even at the moment, in view of the alarming figures, he cannot do something either by administrative action or otherwise, as suggested in my Question? In particular, may I refer him to the supplementary question put to him by his hon. Friend the Member for Perth and East Perthshire (Sir A. Gomme-Duncan) last week?
§ Mr. StuartI think I covered the point because, as I said at the beginning, increased penalties for these offences are at present before Parliament.