§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many prisoners undertook distance learning courses, including Open University courses, in the last 12 months for which figures are available; how many of these courses were paid for(a) at their own expense and (b) through a charitable trust or person; and if he will make a statement. [37679]
§ John HealeyInformation on the number of prisoners undertaking distance learning courses is not available. The number of prisoners in the first year of an undergraduate course at the Open University in 2000–01 in England and Wales was 144, whilst the number registered for Open University courses at all levels is 398. It is not possible to give an accurate 1599W breakdown on the numbers of courses that are self-financed or funded through a charitable trust or person; however, upwards of 950 distance learning courses were funded or part funded by charitable bodies last year.