HC Deb 20 June 1963 vol 679 cc631-2
22. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the increased expenditure on education in prisons and other penal institutions in the year 1963–64 will provide over and above the facilities provided during last year's standstill on educational expenditure.

Miss Pike

The main effect of the increased financial provision for education in prisons, borstals and detention centres has been to increase the number of class-hours each week from 4,500 at the end of the financial year 1962–63 to 5,000 in the current financial year. It has also made possible certain increases in the provision for materials and equipment.

Mr. Boyden

I welcome that improvement, but may I ask whether it means that every governor can call on as many part-time tutors as the reasonable demands of the inmates require? Secondly, does it mean that the hon. Lady's Department has as many full-time tutors as is desirable?

Miss Pike

I do not think that we shall ever get to the situation where we are completely satisfied, but we are aiming to give every prisoner the educational opportunities he requires.