To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued in each police authority area for offences in connection with fireworks in each of the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [124113]

Penalty notices for 11 disorder offences, including that of throwing fireworks in the street, are being piloted in four police areas: West Midlands, Essex, North Wales and the Croydon division of the Metropolitan police. In the light of early findings, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 14 May 2003 that the penalty notice for disorder scheme will be rolled out nationally. Detailed data on the numbers of penalty notices issued will be included in the evaluation report on the pilots, which will be published.