Drink and Driving

HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 cc469-70W

Sir Clive Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received from the British Medical Association concerning the proposal to conduct random checks to enforce the proposed new legislation in regard to drink and driving; and what reply she has sent.

Mr. John Morris

The British Medical Association has told the Department and the Home Office that its Council believes that the introduction of the prescribed limit of 80 mg./100 ml. by itself would considerably strengthen the hands of the police and lead to a very much higher rate of conviction. It recognises, however, that random checks would act as a deterrent to those drivers who believe that they can drive whilst intoxicated without fear of detection.

The Association has been thanked for its observations and told that they have been noted.