HC Deb 31 July 1963 vol 682 cc435-6
27. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of Transport if he proposes to continue his campaign to discourage drivers from drinking.

Mr. Marples

I shall continue to take every suitable opportunity to draw attention to the dangers of driving after drinking.

Mr. Boardman

Does not it strike the Minister as very odd that while large sums of public money are being spent on this laudable campaign, public houses are competing with each other in the provision of bigger and better private parking facilities for customers whose purpose it is to drink? If the Minister has no direct influence regarding the provision of private car parking facilities, will he use his influence with those who have?

Mr. Marples

The hon. Gentleman must not make the mistake of supposing that all the people who call at public houses are drivers. The vehicles contain passengers as well. I am concerned with those who drive, and what I have said—I think as often and as emphatically as anybody—is that people should not drink if they are to drive.

Mr. Ross

Is this one of the matters in which the Minister would advise young people to disregard the advice of their parents?

Mr. Marples

It depends on who are the parents.

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