§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many road accidents where alcohol was considered to be a factor took place in Scotland between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. during the first six months following the introduction of the new Scottish licensing law; and if he will draw a comparison with the figures for the same period in the years 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977;
(2) how many road accidents where alcohol was considered to be a factor took place in Scotland between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. in each of the years 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
§ Mr. McElhoneThe information available relates to the number of drivers involved in accidents in Scotland who either refused, or showed a positive result following a breath test between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. and is as follows:
January to June Annual Total 1974 … 428 932 1975 … 412 883 1976 … 365 782 1977 (provisional) … 342 818 The extension of permitted opening hours of licensed premises from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. was effective from 13th December 1976.