HC Deb 03 May 1971 vol 816 cc277-8W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many road accidents during 1970 involved dogs not kept on a lead; and whether he will introduce legislation to make it unlawful to allow dogs without leads on major roads.

Mr. Peyton

In 1969 dogs were reported as present on the carriageway in 1,471 road accidents which involved personal injury. I regret that figures for 1970 are not yet available. Local authorities already have power under section 220 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, to make Orders designating roads where dogs must be on leads.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many and what proportion of fatal accidents during the past five years have some connection with the consumption of alcohol.

Mr. Peyton

Information is not available in the precise form requested, but the following table shows the percentages of drivers and riders of motor vehicles who were killed and whose blood-alcohol levels were in the stated range.

Mr. Peyton

While generally accepting the draft circular, eight of the twelve bodies consulted have commented so far and seven of these have only suggested detailed amendments. I am considering these and will issue the final circular as soon as possible.