§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the detection rate for arson in England and Wales was in each year since 1997; and what the detection rate for all crime was in each year. [125743]
§ Ms BlearsThe available information from police recorded crime data on detection rates for arson and all recorded crime in England and Wales for the years since 1997 are as follows:
Percentage detection rates—England and Wales Arson All recorded crime 19971 16 28 1998–992 10 29 1999–20003 9 25 2000–01 8 24 2001–024 8 23 1 Calendar year, and years ending March thereafter. 2 There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, which may have affected detection rates. 3 There was a change in the counting rules for detections on 1 April 1999, which will have had an effect on detection rates. 4 Detection rates may have been affected by some police forces adopting the principles of the National Crime Recording Standard in advance of its national implementation on 1 April 2002.