§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what success the Government have had in reducing the incidence of drinking and driving.
§ Mr. AtkinsI am pleased to report that statistics published today by the Home Office show a furher reduction in the proportion of breath tests which are642W positive. Results published by the transport and road research laboratory of the blood alcohol levels of driver fatalities also show a similar downward trend. This demonstrates our continuing success in changing public attitudes towards drinking and driving. This could not have been achieved by the Government action alone. Much of the credit must go to the police and to the brewers, publicans, and soft drink producers for their support in promoting low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks and in helping us to bring home to people the awful consequences of drinking and driving.
There is, however, still a long way to go and we must not let up. We shall be launching our Christmas campaign against drinking and driving early in December, with the continuing support of private industry.