§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many convictions there were in each of the last three years for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs; in how many of these cases loss of life was entailed; and what were the maximum and minimum sentences imposed.
§ Mr. RossThe numbers of persons against whom charges were proved of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs in 1961, 1962 and 1963 were 2,382, 2,668 and 2,950, respectively. The highest sentence imposed was 21 months' imprisonment and disqualification for 20 years. At the other end of the scale fines of varying amounts were imposed, normally with disqualification; and, during the three-year period, six persons were placed on probation and one was given an absolute discharge. I regret it is not possible to identify in how many of these cases fatal accidents occurred.