§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures his Department has adopted to combat vandalism; and if he will make a statement. [17378]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Welsh Office has adopted a number of measures to combat vandalism. In 1994 we published a good practice guide with the safe neighbourhoods unit. We have urged housing authorities to fill empty properties as quickly as possible, to reduce potential for vandalism. The estate partnership programme provides an opportunity for authorities to introduce anti-vandalism measures, and the Welsh Office has approved strategic development scheme grants totalling over £3 million for some 40 crime prevention-related schemes in 1995–96 and 1996–97. The current Housing Bill also contains proposals which are designed to combat the problem.