Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 2 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 6 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Friday, 6 April 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what provision he has made for education materials to be made available in appropriate languages for asylum seekers held at Winchester prison. (Holding answer 5 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision he has made for education materials to be made available in appropriate languages for asylum seekers held at Winchester prison. [157012] Mr. Boateng: [holding answer 5 April 2001]: Provision for education materials in appropriate languages is made available to detainees as and when the need arises. On arrival each detainee is offered an education induction involving an assessment and interview to find out what his needs are. The education department provides dictionaries, "English as a second language" packs, basic readers and cassettes and has recently employed an "English as a second language" teacher. The education department also provides detainees with information and advice about education and employment opportunities available on release.

Secondary information