HC Deb 01 November 1994 vol 248 c1060W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what surveys his Department has carried out as to the effect on education courses in prisons in England and Wales when an inmate is moved to another prison where such courses are not being followed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 1 November 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the effect on prison education courses when a prisoner is moved to a prison that does not offer the same course of study. Education courses pursued by a prisoner cannot take precedence when a move between prison establishments is dictated by overriding operational needs. Prison education departments are aware that such moves may occur and courses are planned to be as flexible as possible. This has not been the subject of a national survey. On transfer, the receiving education department will make every effort to accommodate the prisoner's needs. The receiving department will accept any continuing costs associated with a course of study which a prisoner is pursuing, including distance learning, course costs and examination fees. We are developing a national curriculum framework, the benefits of which will be to help ensure the continuity of study for prisoners between establishments.