asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many road accidents where alcohol was considered to be a factor took place in Scotland between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. during the first six months following the introduction of the new Scottish licensing law; and if he will draw a comparison with the figures for the same period in the years 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977;(2) how many road accidents where alcohol was considered to be a factor took place in Scotland between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. in each of the years 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977.

The information available relates to the number of drivers involved in accidents in Scotland who either refused, or showed a positive result following a breath test between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. and is as follows: