§ 29. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what reply he has sent to the resolution sent to him by the Order of the Sons of Temperance noting with regret his decision to allow applications to be made for the sale of intoxicating liquor on premises situated on the Preston motorway.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe reply explained that the only catering establishments on motorways will be in designated service areas, and that there is no service area on the Preston motorway. At service areas on other motorways, no bars or licensed premises will be permitted, but alcoholic drinks will be available with meals, if a table licence is granted by the licensing justices.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that police tests have shown that the consumption of even one alcoholic drink can have a marked effect in slowing down the reactions of a motorist? In view of the fact that these motorways are intended for vehicles travelling at very high speeds, even up to 100 m.p.h., when any impairment of reaction may be fatal, does not the Minister think that it is the responsibility of the Government to stress to motorists the fact that they should not drink in any circumstances while at the wheel on these roads?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI agree with the hon. Lady as to the anxiety which many people rightly feel about the influence of alcohol on road accidents. We went into this matter very carefully, and for the reasons she has given we decided, as I have said, that no bars or licensed premises would be permitted. After most careful thought, however, we came to the conclusion that if the licensing justices saw fit to allow a man to have an alcoholic drink with a meal, that was not an unreasonable service to offer.