§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support has been offered by his Department for the Arson Prevention Bureau for(a) the next financial year and (b) the last three financial years. [77609]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Home Office has a strong working relationship with the Arson Prevention Bureau. Graham Meldrum, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services and I gave keynote addresses at two if its important events last year and officials are in regular contact with the Bureau to discuss its programme of activities. In addition, a Home Office official has been loaned to the Bureau since December 1996. The first year of that posting (December 1996-November 1997) was funded in full by the Home Office.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced earlier this month his intention to publish shortly the outcome of a Home Office study which has reviewed current arrangements for combating arson. We expect to continue to work closely with the Arson Prevention Bureau to take that initiative forward.