Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Chalk Excerpts

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con)]

1. What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education in prisons; and if he will make a statement. [R]

[James Berry (Kingston and Surbiton) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking to improve the provision of education in prisons; and if he will make a statement.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Michael Gove)]

Improving the education of prisoners is key to rehabilitation, but Ofsted inspections have revealed that one in five prisons has an inadequate standard of education provision, and that another two fifths require improvement. That is why, as we announced in this morning’s written ministerial statement, I have asked Dame Sally Coates to chair a review of the quality of education in prisons. The review will report in March 2016.

[Alex Chalk]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that improving the literacy and numeracy of offenders is vital to increasing their employability and, with that, their opportunity to make a contribution to society?

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The levels of literacy and numeracy of many offenders in the system are far too low. If we can transform that and provide them with the skills to hold down a meaningful job, they can be genuine assets to our society rather than liabilities.