§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many offences connected with the consumption of alcohol have involved train drivers in the performance of their duties in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. William RodgersIn the five years 1971–75, a British Rail train driver was convicted of such an offence on one occasion, in 1975. Figures for 1976 are not available.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the maximum penalty for driving (a) a car, and (b) an express train while drunk; and whether he remains satisfied that the penalty in the case of a train driver is adequate.
§ Mr. William RodgersAt present the maximum penalty on summary conviction or driving while under the influence of drink is for (a) a car: £400 or four months' imprisonment; and (b) a train: £25 or two months' imprisonment. Proposals contained in the Criminal Law Bill and in the Railways Board's Private Bill, both currently before Parliament, would increase these maximum penalties to £1,000 or six months' imprisonment, and to £200 or three months' imprisonment, respectively. It is the Board's 513W normal practice to terminate the employment of an employee convicted of driving a train under the influence of drink.