§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what percentage of cases where fire alarms were present in dwellings on fire in 2000 they(a) raised the alarm, (b) operated but failed to raise the alarm and (c) failed to operate altogether in the Humberside fire authority area. [1470]
§ Dr. WhiteheadI have been asked to reply.
The information relates to fires in dwellings where a smoke alarm was present that were attended by the Humberside local authority fire brigade in 1999. 2000 data are not yet available.
In 38 per cent, of cases the smoke alarm operated and raised the alarm.In 15 per cent, of cases the smoke alarm operated but failed to raise the alarm.In 47 per cent, of cases the smoke alarm failed to operate.