HC Deb 22 January 2001 vol 361 c495W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners discharged in each of the last three years were at level 1 or below in literacy and numeracy skills; and if he will make a statement. [145718]

Mr. Boateng

Information is not available in the form requested. Data on the results of Basic Skills Agency screening tests taken by prisoners while in custody in the last two years are set out in the table. Data are not available for years before 1998.

Year Competence Numbers tested Percentage below Level 1 Percentage at Level 1
1998 Reading 47,298 26.8 25.3
1998 Writing 46,032 39 33.7
1998 Numeracy 59.440 34.7 34.8
1999–2000 Reading 89,623 30.5 19.3
1999–2000 Writing 97,681 47.3 33.7
1999–2000 Numeracy 89,572 37.6 29

Note:

Data in 1998 collected by calendar year to match education contract.