§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools in the Bolton area were damaged by vandalism, in particular arson, during each of the last five years; what was the cost to the education authority of this damage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherData concerning the number of schools affected by vandalism are not available, but I understand that the majority of schools in the Bolton area have been affected. The cost of damage during each of the last five years is given in the table. Such a level of loss is unacceptable, and I am discussing with the local authority associations a range of measures to improve the security of school premises.
Financial year Vandalism £ Arson £ Number of fires 1983–84 114,098 18,951 17 1984–85 136,911 85,000 12 1985–86 155,032 85,536 11 1986–87 160,967 14,829 14 1987–88 193,808 153,202 20