HC Deb 05 April 1984 vol 57 cc606-7W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked 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. Hurd

Since 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 Howell

asked 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. Hurd

The 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.

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