asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many road accidents where alcohol was considered to be a factor took place in England and Wales between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in each of the years 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977.

The following information is available for the years 1974 to 1976:

Drivers involved in Accidents with Positive Breath Tests*: England and Wales
10 p.m.-4 a.m.
1974	…	…	…	…	8,450
1975	…	…	…	…	8,319
1976	…	…	…	…	6,975
* Includes "Failed to provide".

Information for 1977 is not yet available, but I will provide the hon. Member with this figure as soon as possible.In a Transport and Road Research Laboratory investigation of some 2,000 accidents in the area around the laboratory in Berkshire over the period from 1970 to 1974 it was estimated that some 67 per cent. of accidents between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. involved a driver who had consumed alcohol and in 30 per cent. of accidents between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. alcohol was regarded as a contributory factor.