HC Deb 23 June 2003 vol 407 cc604-5W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of education hours was cancelled at prisons in England and Wales other than Holloway between February 2002 and January 2003; and if he will make a statement. [117169]

Paul Goggins

I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend, the Member for Leeds, Central (Hilary Benn) gave on 8 May 2003, Official Report, column 824W.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his assessment is of the likely impact of the new investment plan for offenders' education on the percentage of education hours(a) planned and (b) completed at Holloway prison over the next 12 months. [117170]

Paul Goggins

The Prison Service's investment plan gives priority to the needs of young offenders and to female prisoners. Holloway will receive an additional £132,000 for this financial year, enabling it to increase the volume of teaching hours by 50 per cent. from September 2003. The prison's materials and accreditation budget will also increase in proportion—by around £12,000.

The Prison Service is also investing in new Heads of Learning and Skills posts in prison establishments from September 2003. In the longer term this investment—together with the new education and training contracts taking effect from next year—should support increased coherence, flexibility and efficiency of delivery so that more of what is planned is realised.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his assessment is of the likely impact of the new investment plan for offenders' education on the percentage of education hours(a) planned and (b) completed at Holloway prison over the next 12 months. [117170]

Paul Goggins

The Prison Service's investment plan gives priority to the needs of young offenders and to female prisoners. Holloway will receive an additional £132,000 for this financial year, enabling it to increase the volume of teaching hours by 50 per cent. from September 2003. The prison's materials and accreditation budget will also increase in proportion—by around £12,000.

The Prison Service is also investing in new Heads of Learning and Skills posts in prison establishments from September 2003. In the longer term this investment—together with the new education and training contracts taking effect from next year—should support increased coherence, flexibility and efficiency of delivery so that more of what is planned is realised.