§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Minister of Transport, what representations he has had concerning the need to electrify the Crewe-Holyhead railway line; if he proposes to have talks on this matter with the chairman of British Railways, in view of the high unemployment rate in North Wales and the need to improve communications in order to attract new industries; and if he will make a statement.
68W(c) other injuries and (d) the total number of accidents where drunken driving was identified as the cause in (i) the city of Newcastle, (ii) the county of Tyne and Wear and (iii) the Northern region, respectively.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn the Northern region there were 346 deaths, 3,480 serious injuries and 11,458 slight injuries reported in 1979; 2,467 drivers involved in these accidents were required to take a breath test and 720 were positive or failed to provide a sample. Of the casualties, 105 deaths and 4,844 injuries were in Tyne and Wear. The hon. Member should contact the local authorities for other local detail.