§ 75. Mr. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the figure of 246 per 10,000 of the population for convictions for drunkenness in the City of London, is computed in Table 3 of the White Paper, Offence of Drunkenness, 1954, in view of the figures in 236W Table 2, which give the total convictions as 116.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe estimated population aged 15 years and over of the City of London in 1954 was 4,715 and there were 116 offences. This is equal to 246 per 10,000 or 2½46 per cent.
§ 79. Mr. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs have been heard before petty sessional courts in the past 12 months; and in how many such cases convictions have been recorded.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI regret that figures are not available in the precise form for which the hon. Member has asked. The nearest I can get are the following:
During the twelve months ended 31st December, 1954, 3,608 charges of driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle when under the influence of drink or a drug were preferred in England and Wales. In 2,806 cases the defendant was convicted at the magistrates' court and in 486 committed for trial.
§ 80. Mr. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs have been heard before Quarter Sessions in the past 12 months; and in how many such cases convictions have been recorded.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI regret that the statistics do not distinguish between charges of driving under the influence and drunk in charge or between cases dealt with at quarter sessions and those dealt with at assizes.
During the twelve months ended 31st December, 1954, assizes and quarter sessions tried 395 cases in which the principal charge was driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle when under the influence of drink or a drug. In 187 the defendant was convicted.