§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the legal alcohol limit is for(a) operating equipment and (b) driving on military bases in Scotland; when the adequacy of this limit was last reviewed; and if he will make a statement. [135800]
§ Mr. CaplinThere is no statutory alcohol limit laid down for operating equipment on military bases in Scotland or elsewhere. Where military bases are served by public roads in the UK, the statutory alcohol limits imposed by the Road Traffic Act 1988 apply. If the military bases are not served by public roads, service personnel are subject to standing and local orders which regulate alcohol consumption. Personnel may be prosecuted under the Service Discipline Acts for being unfit for duty as a result of consuming excess alcohol or contravening orders. Commanding officers and the chain of command are very aware of the requirement to provide a safe working environment.