HL Deb 23 April 1998 vol 588 cc225-6WA
Lord Chesham

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why, in the light of the Answers by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 7 April (H.L. Deb., cols. 614–617), they consider it appropriate to charge tertiary students fees for tuition and for lodging, but not prisoners. [HL1496]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

Most prisoners come into prison with few personal assets, earn only pocket money while there and do not have the means to pay for lodging. Most education provided in prisons consists of teaching and basic skills needed by educational under-achievers to obtain work and stay away from crime. It would not be feasible to charge such people for the education they receive in prison while they are there or, given the low wages they are likely to be able to earn, after release.

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