HC Deb 09 June 1999 vol 332 c320W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many road users were killed in drink-drive related accidents during the last year for which figures are available. [85690]

Ms Glenda Jackson

In 1997, the most recent year for which estimates of drink-drive accidents are available, there were an estimated 550 alcohol-related road deaths (or fatalities). This is a revision of the provisional estimate of 540, based on more limited data, which was published in "Road Accidents Great Britain:1997".

Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the main issues addressed in responses to his Department's consultation on "Combating Drinking and Driving: Next Steps". [85689]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Consultees made comments across the range of issues addressed in the consultation paper. Those issues most frequently raised were, in descending order, the lowering of the blood alcohol limit, police breath testing powers, penalties for a drink-drive limit and self-test breathalysers.