Drinking and Driving

HC Deb 27 October 1976 vol 918 cc456-7

11. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take on the Blennerhasset Report on drink and driving.

Mr. Horam

My hon. Friend, the former Minister for Transport—the Member for Dudley, East (Dr. Gilbert)—announced on 4th August 1976 that the Government accepted the Blennerhasset Report as a basis for new drinking and driving legislation, which will be introduced as soon as practicable. We have nothing to add to that statement at present.

Mr. Miller

Has the Secretary of State's Department consulted the police about the possibility of enforcing such legislation? Can he tell us, in particular, whether he accepts the view of my own chief superintendent that checks will be made only for one distinct offence at a time—that is, for seat belts, stolen cars, or drinking, and not an amalgam of all the offences at once?

Mr. Horam

We are in constant consultation with the police on the workings of the law, and their views are taken into account. The point that the hon. Member has raised is a valid one, and I shall certainly look into it.

Sir Anthony Boyle

How does the Minister square this with the statement by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Robert Mark, who said that in his view motoring offences should be made civil offences and not criminal ones?

Mr. Horam

I have no information about that point at the moment, but shall write to the hon. Gentleman.