Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Thursday, 4 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 January 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 5 January 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent progress has been made in improving adult prisoner (a) literacy and (b) numeracy. - Inc figures.

Answer: Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent progress has been made in improving adult prisoner (a) literacy and (b) numeracy. [142923] Paul Goggins: Since April 2003, prisoners have achieved around 28,000 qualifications in literacy, language and numeracy. At this rate, the 2003-04 target of 36,600 qualifications will be exceeded by March 2004. As a result prisons have been set an ambitious but achievable target of 60,000 basic skills qualifications for 2004-05.

Secondary information