§ Mr. Graham Pageasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress so far made in connection with legislation embodying the principle of a maximum permitted level of alcohol in the blood.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe Government accept in principle that it should be made an offence to drive with more than a prescribed amount of alcohol in the blood. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I are considering the views which have been expressed by the Council of the British Medical Association as to the level that might be adopted. We are also examining what form a new law might take in relation to such matters as police procedures and the measurement of alcohol in the blood. A further report from the B.M.A. Committee is expected shortly on the alternative methods of measuring blood alcohol levels. The Government are also awaiting a report from the Road Research Laboratory on the role played by alcohol in road accidents last December and January and the effects of the "drink and driving" campaign, and a report from the Home Office Working Party which is considering the practical and procedural questions involved in the use of breath testing equipment. As soon as consideration of the technical problems involved has been completed, we shall go ahead with the preparation of the necessary Bill, which will be introduced at the first convenient opportunity.