92. Mr. Holmesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the number of fires that have taken place on farms; if he will state the number of fires that have taken place from January to the end of September this year; and if he will give the approximate amount of damage, in money values, tons of grain, hay, etc., and farm buildings, caused by such fires.
§ The Under-Secretary of State to the Home Department (Mr. Oliver)The number of farm fires attended by the National Fire Service from January to the end of September this year in England and Wales, is 3,687. I regret that my right hon. Friend has no information as to the losses in money values of the produce and buildings mentioned. Arrangements have been in operation for some time by which the advice and assistance of the National Fire Service is made available to county agricultural executive committees who wish to effect reduction in the fire risks on farms.