HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc223-4W
71. Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport what study she has made of the results achieved in countries which make it an offence to drive with more than a specified amount of alcohol in the blood; and what evidence is available concerning the reduction of accidents achieved by such legislation.

Mrs. Castle

The experience of foreign countries which already have a law of this kind has been taken into account in preparing the new legislation on drink and driving. Evidence from both Austria, which has recently introduced legislation similar in many respects to that proposed in the Road Safety Bill, and from Sweden, which has had a law of this kind since 1941, indicates a considerable saving in accidents as a result.

77. Sir M. Redmayne

asked the Minister of Transport what reply she has given to the representations made to her by bodies acting on behalf of road users pointing out that the proposal to authorise random checks of alcohol consumed puts at risk the ready acceptance of the other stringencies of her policy and requesting that she should revise the draft of the proposed legislation accordingly.

Mrs. Castle

Bodies representing road users have expressed differing views on this subject. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have considered the views expressed to my predecessor on behalf of the motoring organisations; we have decided that, for the reasons given in the White Paper, random tests are the fairest and most effective way of enforcing the proposed law. The Bill as published provides for them.

81. Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Minister of Transport if she will seek powers to introduce random roadside breath tests of motorists as soon as possible.

Mr. John Morris

Such powers are included in the Road Safety Bill introduced last Thursday.