HC Deb 21 March 1984 vol 56 c465W
Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will introduce legislation to allow any motorist charged with a drink-driving offence to demand a blood or urine test regardless of the level of the intoximeter print-out;

(2) if he remains satisfied with the accuracy of the Lion Intoximeter.

Mr. Iain Mills

asked if he will make a statement on the accuracy of the automatic testing system used on the Intoximeter 3000 machine.

Mr. Hurd

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans for legislation on drink-driving. The field trials carried out on the Lion Intoximeter and a later survey by the forensic science service, the results of which will be published shortly, confirm the accuracy of these instruments as devices for measuring alcohol in the breath. We are, however, aware of the strength of public concern on this and other questions relating to the Intoximeter and are considering urgently what steps are needed to restore public confidence.