Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Friday, 16 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 January 2009. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Thursday, 22 January 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisoners: Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in respect of what schemes to tackle intolerance amongst prisoners pilots have been initiated.

Answer: Race and Equalities Action Group (REAG) have been developing a twin-track approach the primary focus of which has been tackling racial intolerance. The first stage consists of detection and disruption measures. Guidance provided asks staff to risk assess and subsequently categorise the offender. The second stage moves from detection to intervention. REAG has developed an education set accredited through the Open College Network, available to education departments within establishments.The education sessions have piloted in three establishments, the complete scheme will be piloted this year

Secondary information