§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government are taking to reduce malicious fires and arson in schools; and if she will make a statement. [42226]
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(b) Cost to DfES (£) Initiative (a) Purpose (i) 2000–01 (ii) 2001–02 Higher Education Reach-out to Business and the Community Fund (HEROBC)1 To develop the capability of higher education institutions to respond to the needs of business of all sizes and sectors and a range of bodies within the wider community 18,600,000 20,000,000 Business Fellowships To focus on recognising and developing creative activities carried out within HEIs to build their response to the needs of business, across the full range of their academic activity. n/a 103,125 1 From 2001–02 HEROBC was sumsumed in the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) whose purpose to build capacity of higher educations institutions to work this business, in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
§ Mr. Ivan LewisMost arson attacks take place when schools are closed, but all of them have the potential to cause considerable damage and disruption. Buildings may be destroyed, and irreplaceable records, teaching notes and course work lost.
Officials from my Department sit on the Arson in Schools Working Group, a group of experts representing the insurance industry, the fire and police services, local authorities and Government Departments. One of its outputs has been the publication of the guide "How to Combat Arson in Schools", which is available free and has been well received by schools.
My Department has also published the guide "Fire Safety", which includes advice on how to reduce the risks of arson attacks. This complements our guidance on reducing crime in schools, such as the booklet "Improving Security in Schools" and the video "Can You See What They See?" A school security website has been established.