§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been conducted into the relative effectiveness of(a) prison education and (b) behaviour modification courses; and if he will make a statement. [16091]
§ Miss WiddecombeResponsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 21 February 1996:
The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about research conducted into the relative effectiveness of (a) prison education and (b) behaviour modification courses.The available research evidence indicates that programmes can be effective in reducing the risk of re-offending if they are: relevant to the offending of those involved; use methods to which offenders are responsive; provide enough treatment to produce sustained effects; are properly implemented and managed; and are reinforced by compatible work after release. Both prison education and behaviour modification programmes can meet these criteria.