HL Deb 09 July 1984 vol 454 c559
Lord Underhill

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they propose to take following the conclusion of the six months' trial period during which motorists will have had the blood option as an alternative to evidential breath testing.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)

My Lords, the steps to be taken will depend on our assessment of the information which we are deriving from this monitoring. The six months' monitoring period is less than half way through, and it is too early to draw firm conclusions. We shall publish a report on the results.

Lord Underhill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. But will he not agree that in view of the adverse publicity which led to the extended blood option it is essential that public confidence be restored in evidential breath testing? Will the Minister give an assurance that, as the six months' period is up on 16th October, no action will be taken while Parliament is in recess? Will he also give an assurance that there will be no withdrawal of the blood option until Parliament has had the fullest opportunity to consider the final results?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I can confirm that the object of having this period of review is indeed to ensure that the public can have a justified confidence in the machinery being tested. As I have said already, it is too early to say what the results of this period of monitoring will be; but I can assure the noble Lord that the period will not be curtailed unless there is very clear evidence that it is not necessary to extend it.

Lord Ironside

My Lords, while I accept that the breathalyser is suitable for testing for alcohol, may I ask this question. Does the Minister not agree that in cases where the police suspect drugs it is very necessary to have a blood test? Therefore, I hope that he will bear this significant point in mind in making his assessment.

Lord Elton

My Lords, the intoximeter is designed solely to test for alcohol in the blood. The requirements for testing for drugs remain unaltered.

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