HC Deb 28 March 2001 vol 365 c684W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to extend provision of resources to HM prisons for the purposes of education and training. [155769]

Mr. Wicks

The Prison Service's budget for education and libraries is planned to increase from £50 million to at least £63 million by 2003–04, an increase of over 17 per cent. in real terms. This is on top of the resources being invested in vocational training by the Prison Service. From April 2001 the new Prisoners' Learning and Skills Unit will support DfEE and Home Office Ministers in the development of education and training for prisoners. The Unit will at an early stage review the delivery, funding and procurement of education and training in prisons as a basis for further development through the partnership.