Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 5 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 June 2003. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what percentage of fires (a) in retail premises and (b) on farms were caused by arson in 2002. - Includes figures for 2001.

Answer: Matthew Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of fires (a) in retail premises and (b) on farms were caused by arson in 2002. [117893] Mr. Raynsford: 2001 is the most recent year for which data are available. In 2001, of 5,687 fires in retail premises, 46 per cent. (2,474 fires) were malicious. Of 1,267 fires in agricultural premises, 38 per cent. (486 fires) were malicious. Malicious fires are those where malicious or deliberate ignition was proved or suspected.

Secondary information