§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prison inmates were assessed as having literacy and numeracy skills below level 2 at the latest date for which figures are available. [11625]
§ Beverley HughesFigures for September 2001 show that of those prisoners tested on induction, 71 per cent. and 65 per cent. respectively were assessed as having literacy and numeracy skills below level 2.
The Prison Service has in place targets for 23,400 prisoners to achieve national qualifications in 2001–2002 rising to 36.000 in 2003–2004. This includes a planned increase in the number of Level 2 basic skills awards to 21,000 over the period. In addition, targets have been agreed for the current year with the Adult Basic Skill Strategy for qualifications below Level 2 in Basic Skills: 7,500 qualifications at Entry Level and 7,500 qualifications at Level 1.
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to(a) collect and (b) publish data on the average time spent in prison education classes by prisoners in private sector prisons. [11633]
§ Beverley HughesThe Prison Service collects data on the average time spent on purposeful activity, including education, in all prisons including those run by the private sector. National statistics are published in the annual "Prison Statistics, England and Wales". Figures for different categories of prison are not published separately. I will write to my hon. Friend about education in private sector prisons.