Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with Her Majesty's Prison Service on the educational and religious needs of Muslims in prison; and if he will make a statement. [100585]
§ Hilary BennThe Prison Service keeps Ministers informed of its progress on improving religious provision for prisoners of all faiths, including Muslims.
In discussion with the Advisory Council on Religion in Prisons, the Service has been devleoping a new grading structure for prison ministers which will allow ministers of all faiths to be employed on an equal footing. All Muslim prisoners have regular access to Imams. In prisons with the largest Muslim populations full-time Imams are now being employed. Eight full-time Imams are now in post and a further six are being recruited.
The Prisoners' Learning and Skills Unit (PLSU) is improving education for prisoners so that prisons are better able to respond to the needs of the individual learner. All prisoners, regardless of their cultural background, are already required to have an individual learning plan based on a comprehensive assessment of need, with basic skills given priority. The PLSU is responding to the diverse needs of the prison population by developing a cultural studies programme for prisoners which will focus on aspects such as cultural beliefs and values and prejudice.
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