§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, since fire losses increased from £8,780,000 in 1938 to £24,145,000 in 1958 and further to £66,442,000 in 1963, if he will give fire brigade officers authority to report immediately to the police any evidence of suspected arson; what further steps he is taking to reduce fire losses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodhouseIt is the normal practice of fire brigade officers to report to the police evidence of suspected arson, and they do not need my right hon. Friend's authority to do so. I have no evidence that arson has become a major cause of fire losses. With regard to the steps being taken to reduce fire losses, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 5th March.