HC Deb 19 October 1999 vol 336 cc441-2W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors are used to determine the allocation of resources for postgraduate education courses to prisoners serving lengthy prison sentences. [94704]

Mr. Boateng

The main priority for the Prison Service is to raise the levels of literacy and numeracy among prisoners, but there are opportunities for eligible prisoners to pursue courses of higher education where resources allow.

A prisoner would be deemed eligible if as a result of assessment a higher degree course was a requirement of the sentence plan. It would be necessary prior to embarking on this course of study for the prisoner to demonstrate that he or she was capable of attaining the qualification. Resources to pay for this could either come from the governor's budget, a charitable organisation or from the prisoner or a relative.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what resources are available for courses of study to further degree level in each prison; what criteria are applied in deciding the allocation of these resources; and if he will make a statement. [94583]

Mr. Boateng

It is for prison governors to decide how much from their annual budget to allocate to education. The main priority of the Prison Service is to raise the levels of literacy and numeracy among prisoners, but there are opportunities for eligible prisoners to pursue higher education studies. Each application is considered on its merits, and there is no predetermined level of funding specifically for degree courses. Before any application can be approved, the governor and education officer need to be satisfied that the prisoner has the aptitude, ability and motivation to complete their chosen course.

The Prison Service has made arrangements for eligible prisoners to undertake degree and other higher education courses with the Open University. These can be funded either by the prisoner, a relative, through a charitable trust or by the prison.

In addition, the Open University has a system of financial support which it has agreed, as from the academic year starting February 2000, it will extend to pay the fees for continuing students in prison and has allocated up to £100,000 for this purpose.