HC Deb 24 June 1958 vol 590 c224
22. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases of driving, attempting to drive or being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs, reported to the police in Scotland in 1957.

Mr. Maclay

2,384.

Mr. Hannan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figure is double that of only five years ago? Since this is creating great problems for the administration in Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman now consider increasing the penalties even to the extent of depriving people, such potential murderers, of their licences?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Gentleman knows that the recent provisions provided fairly substantial penalties. I am watching the effect of the Act very closely, but so far I have no reason to suppose that the powers of the courts are inadequate.

Mr. Woodburn

Is not prevention better than cure or even punishment? Where there is a great number of motor cars outside a roadhouse, would not it be advisable sometimes for a policeman to see that the person who comes out drunk never gets into his car, which is a lethal weapon when he is in it?

Mr. Maclay

That is an interesting suggestion, which I will consider. It raises some other interesting points, too.