HC Deb 04 February 1966 vol 723 cc308-9W
Mr. Carlisle

asked the Minister of Transport what is the minimum amount of intake of alcohol as calculated both in pints of beer and in fluid ounces of whisky which could produce a finding of 80 milligrammes of alcohol to every 100 millilitres of blood circulating in the human body of a male person weighing 15 stone, 13 stone, 11 stone and 9 stone, respectively, and of a female person weighing 11 stone, 9 stone and 7 stone, respectively.

Mrs. Castle

I am advised by the British Medical Association that only in very exceptional circumstances would a concentration of 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood be exceeded by an adult person who restricts his drinking to 2½ pints of ordinary beer or 4 fluid ounces of whisky. The concentration actually produced in an individual case depends on a number of factors, including whether the alcohol is taken on a full or empty stomach, the period over which it is consumed, the form in which it is taken, the person's body weight and fatness and whether he is accustomed to drinking alcohol. I am advised that weight is less important than some of the other factors and that the proportion of fat in the body is more relevant than overall body weight.

Mr. Carlisle

asked the Minister of Transport from what bodies representations have been received concerning the proposal to allow random roadside checks of motorists to test their level of alcohol consumption; and what replies she has given.

Mrs. Castle

The organisations listed below, who have expressed views on this subject to me and to my right hon. Friends, the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland, have been told that their views will receive the most careful consideration.

  • The Association of Chief Police Officers.
  • The Association of Municipal Corporations.
  • The British Council of Churches.
  • The British Medical Association.
  • The Chief Constables' (Scotland) Association.
  • The County Councils Association.
  • The Institute of Advanced Motorists.
  • The Magistrates' Association.
  • The National British Women's Total Abstinence Union.
  • The National Road Safety Advisory Council.
  • The National Union of General and Municipal Workers.
  • The National Union of Railwaymen.
  • The Pedestrians' Association.
  • The Scottish Commercial Motormen's Association.
  • The Standing Joint Committee of the A.A., R.A.C. and R.S.A.C.
  • The Transport and General Workers Union.
  • The Temperance Council of the Christian Churches.
  • The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.
  • The United Road Transport Workers Union.
  • The Urban District Councils Association.
  • The Wine Trade Defence Committee.