§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has studied the penalty guide for drink-drive offences published by the Magistrates' Association, a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ Mr. MellorMy hon. Friend refers to an article in this month's issue ofThe Magistrate which included a graph indicating the fines and disqualification periods which might be appropriate starting points for sentencing offenders driving with given alcohol levels. Articles by contributors to The Magistrate do not necessarily represent the views of the Magistrates Association. I note, however, that the penalty levels given by the graph in the article, which covers only the more serious levels of intoxication, are broadly compatible with the suggestions for penalties for this offence issued by the association. The principle that higher fines and longer periods of disqualification 292W should be imposed for offenders with high blood-alcohol levels has been consistently upheld by the Court of Appeal.