§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints have been made in relation to breathalyser tests conducted since 1 November 1983 (a) in England and Wales and (b) in the London area.
§ Mr. HurdSince 1 November 1983, 12 letters from England and Wales commenting on the conduct of particular breathalyser tests, including two from the London area have been received by the division of the Home Office concerned with road traffic matters.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentages of instances where breathalyser tests have been conducted (a) in the London area and (b) in England and Wales have led to prosecutions.
§ Mr. HurdThe question cannot be answered directly as returns on breath tests conducted are not linked to returns on subsequent court proceedings. However, separate statistics on breath tests and on court proceedings for certain drinking and driving offences following breath tests are given in the following table for 1982. Information for 1983 is not yet available.
607W
Breath tests and certain proceedings at magistrates' courts following breath tests; 1982 Number England and Wales Metropolitan Police District Initial breath tests 206,600 24,010 of which positive 72,220 13,870
England and Wales Metropolitan Police District Proceedings at magistrates' courts following breath tests Driving with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 60,700 8,840 Driving and failing to provide specimen for laboratory test 5,650 1,280 In charge of motor vehicle with alcohol in the blood above the prescribed limit 1,080 50 In charge of motor vehicle and failing to provide specimen for laboratory test 1,320 160 Failing to provide specimen for initial breath test 10,780 370 TOTAL 79,540 10,700