§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria under which a prisoner can become eligible for a place in a skill-centre; and what steps he is taking to ensure that more prisoners are offered places.
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§ Mr. BrittanA prisoner aged 18 or over can ask to be considered for a place on a training opportunities scheme course through his Governor and the local Government skillcentre during the final 12 months prior to his date of release. The normal criteria apply, including participation, as necessary, in tests and interviews, and appearance before a final selection board. The prison governor has to be satisfied that, if given temporary release for this purpose, the prisoner will not be a risk to the public. The scheme is to be experimental for the next 18 months, and during that time it has been agreed that only one prisoner at a time may be included on any individual course.