§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 14 July 1998,Official Report, columns 145–46, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the increase between 1994 and 1996 of those prosecuted and charged with driving a motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs. [51848]
§ Mr. McLeishNo specific assessment has been made of the reasons for the increase between 1994 and 1996 in the number of prosecutions for the offence of driving a motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs. The increase is believed to reflect a better awareness by the police of the types of driving and behaviour displayed by drivers who are unfit through drink or drugs, leading to an increase in the number of drivers who are charged and then prosecuted.