Written question asked by Adam Afriyie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 December 2005. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Alcohol-related Crime

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned into the role of alcohol in rising levels of violent crime.

Answer: The British Crime Survey is considered the most reliable source of data on violent crime and the data published in July 2005 in a report called Crime in England and Wales 2004/05 indicates that the number of violent incidents fell by 11 per cent. based on comparison between 2003–04 and 2004–05 interview. Violent crime has fallen by 43 per cent. since a peak in 1995, an estimated 1.8 million fewer incidents. Although the Home Office has not commissioned any specific research into the role of alcohol and its impact on levels of violent crime it does monitor, via social surveys, levels of alcohol-related crime including violent crime. Data from the British crime survey on the percentage of violent incidents in England and Wales in which the victim believed one or more offenders was ‘under the influence of drink' are published on a regular basis. The Offending crime and justice survey also contain information on the role of alcohol and violent offences and this information is also published on a regular basis.

Secondary information