§ 71. Mr. Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were dealt with in magistrates' courts for driving under the influence of drugs or drink, in England and Wales, during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1960; and now many were acquitted.
§ Mr. R. A. Butler:During 1959, the last period for which figures are available, 4,375 persons were dealt with in magistrates' courts for this offence. Of these, 3,605 were found guilty and 597 were committed for trial. The charges against the remaining 173 were withdrawn or dismissed. These figures do not include persons who were originally charged with this offence but dealt with for some other offence, not those wno were dealt with at the same time for a more serious offence (unless they were acquitted of that offence).