HC Deb 10 March 1969 vol 779 cc963-4
23. Mir. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if he will require the Road Research Laboratory to study the safety value of honey compounds in counteracting alcohol; and if he will introduce legislation to increase the availability of honey-based foods and drinks at premises selling alcoholic liquor.

Mr. Marsh

No, Sir.

Mr. Roberts

While it may be true that the sticky road to sobriety may be a long and hard one, would my right hon. Friend consider a general investigation into methods which can be used to increase the driving ability and the alcoholic resistance of drivers? Would he possibly also consider additional legislation to curb drunken driving?

Mr. Marsh

The point of my hon. Friend's Question, I understand, is the sale of honey-based drinks in places selling alcoholic refreshment. Demand for honey-based drinks in such places is fairly limited. There is the additional point that very large quantities of fructose have a marginal effect on the alcohol content of the blood. The desired effect can be achieved rather more efficiently—and we have studied this—by drinking less alcohol.

Mr. Ronald Bell

Will the right hon. Gentleman increase the availability of alcoholic liquor in places selling honey-based produce?

Mr. Marsh

That is a subject for another interesting Question.