HC Deb 21 October 1987 vol 120 cc778-9W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to give motorists a statutory opportunity to give a blood sample as an alternative to an evidential breath test by intoximeter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Under section 8(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1972 (as amended) any person whose result on an evidential breath testing device is no more than 50 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath has the right to request a blood or urine test. Since April 1984 a similar option has been available on a non-statutory basis to persons with a breath test reading over 50 microgrammes and we will be reviewing this non-statutory option in the autumn of next year.