§ 2.40 p.m.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of the persons dealt with by the courts in England and Wales, in each of the latest three years for which figures are available, for the offences of driving or being in charge of a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs, were dealt with at magistrates' courts and higher courts respectively; and what the percentage of convictions was in each case.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)My Lords, in England and Wales, during 1958. 4,090 persons were dealt with summarily at magistrates' 647 courts for these offences, and 93 per cent, of them were convicted. In 1959, 4,745 persons were so dealt with, and 95 per cent, were convicted. In 1960, the figures were 5,593 and 96 per cent, respectively. At courts of assize and quarter sessions, 605 persons were dealt with in 1958, and 55 per cent, of these were convicted. In 1959, 619 persons were dealt with and 57 per cent, were convicted. For 1960, the figures were 735 and 63 per cent, respectively.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government how many of the persons convicted by magistrates' courts in England and Wales of the offences of driving or being in charge of a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs were sentenced to more than three months' imprisonment in each of the latest three years for which figures are available.]
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, for the years 1958, 1959 and 1960, the numbers were 32, 35 and 63 respectively.
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, may I thank the noble Earl for the trouble which he has obviously taken to sort out the Answers to the Questions I have asked? In view of his Answers, may I give him notice of my intention to put down another Question having a bearing on this subject, and I hope that he will give it the same courteous attention that he has given to these Questions to-day.
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for this advance warning and trust that the reply will not involve putting so many statistics before your Lordships.