HC Deb 03 July 1995 vol 263 cc28-9W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made as to the extent to which broadening the range and scope of training for offenders reduces recidivism. [30989]

Mr. Maclean

There have been a number of studies on reconviction rates associated with different sentences, including "Explaining Reconviction Rates: a critical analysis", HORS No 136, although these studies have not specifically assessed the impact of training upon reconviction rates.

We will be evaluating the effectiveness of seven new Home Office training projects announced in May. These projects will fund seven training and enterprise councils to help offenders in the community improve their training and their job prospects. The evaluation will include a reconviction study.