§ 41. Mr. Dormandasked the Minister of Transport when he expects to complete his consultations on his document on drinking and driving; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerI have now completed my consultations and have received comments from over 100 organisations. These include those representing the local authority associations, the police, the courts, the legal and medical professions, motorists and other road users, road safety, trade, industry and consumers. There is general acceptance of the need to improve the law by simplifying the procedures used. Most organisations favour a move to breath testing for evidential purposes, although some have expressed doubts about the accuracy and reliability of the machines which have been on trial. There is also general acceptance in principle for the introduction of a special procedure for high risk offenders. There is, however, a division of opinion on whether the present restrictions on the power of the police to test at the roadside should be removed.