Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Pauline Latham Excerpts
Tuesday 8th September 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
James Berry Portrait James Berry (Kingston and Surbiton) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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

Pauline Latham Portrait Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con)
- Hansard - -

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

Karl McCartney Portrait Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

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

--- Later in debate ---
Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

There are some formidable organisations that want to improve the quality of education in our prisons. In my previous role as Education Secretary, I saw how a wider diversity of education suppliers can help to raise standards for all, and particularly for the most disadvantaged. I would like to see the same reforming vigour applied to the education of offenders.

Pauline Latham Portrait Pauline Latham
- Hansard - -

I welcome the written ministerial statement that the Secretary of State mentioned earlier. He will be aware that some prisons, in addition to educating their inmates, provide educational opportunities whereby outside people come into the prison to help and give ex-offenders jobs when they leave. That is a way of preventing prisoners from reoffending, but the practice is declining. Will my right hon. Friend look into this, please?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend makes a good point. One aspect of Dame Sally’s critically important review will cover engagement with employers. I am delighted that the chief executive of Timpson, one of the most inspirational organisations employing ex-offenders, is part of the team that will help Dame Sally to ensure that education, employability and rehabilitation are all operating together.