§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of fires(a) on farms and (b) in retail premises were caused by arson in each year from 1997 to 2001; and what the estimated cost to the fire service was in each year. [120031]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe information requested is in the following tables. Malicious fires are those where malicious or deliberate ignition was proved or suspected.
Information on the cost to the fire service is not available before 1999. The estimates in the table are derived from applying an average fire service response cost for commercial fires of £12,950 to each farm and retail fire attended.
Fires in agricultural premises, UK, 1997–2001 Total Malicious Percentage malicious Estimated costs (£000) 1997 1,663 747 45 — 1998 1,315 659 50 — 1999 1,435 650 45 8,418 2000 1,380 651 47 8,430 2001 1,267 486 38 6,294
Fires in retail premises, UK, 1997–2001 Total Malicious Percentage malicious Estimated costs (£000) 1997 5,787 2,321 40 — 1998 5,699 2,229 39 — 1999 5,699 2,236 39 28,956 2000 5,358 2,200 41 28,490 2001 5,687 2,474 44 32,038 Notes:
Data for 2001 are provisional.
The definition of retail premises includes vehicle trade premises