§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will assess the advantages of introducing legislation to increase the penalties for drunken driving and related offences; [6619]
(2) if he will increase the penalties for drivers exceeding the permissible limits for alcohol in the blood. [6620]
§ Mr. MichaelThe offence of driving when unfit through drink attracts a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a fine of £5,000 or both, obligatory disqualification and endorsement of the offender's driving licence. Driving with excess alcohol in the blood attracts the same maximum penalty. We have no plans to increase these penalties or the maximum penalties for related offences.