§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what computer codes have been or will be used to assist in the assessment of fire risk as part of his Department's consideration of public fire safety; and if such codes are open to public scientific scrutiny.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Home Office statistical Department uses codes to computerise information recorded on the fire report forms received from United Kingdom fire brigades in respect of all major fires. The Home Office codebook is a complex document designed for use by trained coding staff. Work is currently under way in the Home Office to revise both the fire report form and associated coding. Interested parties are being consulted, and the final version will be distributed to all United Kingdom fire brigades.