§ 10. Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to reduce the risk of road accidents, he will introduce legislation to require licensed premises to have available at all times food, such as biscuits, which can be readily taken with alcoholic drinks.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Ernest Marples)Any such legislation would be for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to introduce, but I do not propose to ask him to do so.
§ Sir J. LucasIs the Minister aware that he said that he was very favourable to the idea? If the Minister himself would use his invaluable influence, I have no doubt that it would have a great effect?
§ Mr. MarplesI think my hon. Friend has greater faith in my ability than I have, but, as a matter of fact, we must distinguish between the availability of food and the consumption of food. When I look at some public houses on the roads, I see food which has remained there for a very long time, while the alcohol is consumed fairly quickly.