WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2007

MR PAUL SILVERWOOD, MR NEIL GREIG, MR ANDREW HOWARD AND MR EDMUND KING

  Q180  Mr Leech: I would just like to push you a bit further on this issue about drink-driving. I get the impression from what you have said that were it not for the fact that it could be perceived as rewarding drivers that they could now drink more after a certain age that you would be in favour of a lower limit for young drivers in terms of improving road safety. Would that be a fair comment?

  Mr Howard: I think the answer would definitely be yes. As I have said before, they are our most vulnerable group for accidents and the group that is most susceptible to the effects of alcohol.

  Q181  Mr Leech: So on that basis, following on from that, on balance would it then be sensible to reduce the limits for everybody in order to make it safer for those young drivers who are more susceptible to drink-driving?

  Mr Howard: You can argue that, but at the same time you can argue how long it would take us to change the accepted norms that govern British driving behaviour in general.

  Q182  Chairman: Mr Howard, what changed the attitude towards seat belts, with respect, was not the publicity, it was the law. When people had direct sanctions against them if they did not use seat belts, even those who were not interested in the theory there were many of them who understood the concept that it was going to cost them money. I think the answer to Mr Leech's question needs to be rather plainer than what you have given us.

  Mr Howard: I am afraid I find myself in the wonderful position that I am giving an on the one hand this, on the other hand that answer because that is our answer.

  Chairman: Well, on one hand and on the other hand I think I should thank you all. You have been very interesting and very helpful. Thank you.