To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisoners in prison establishments in England and Wales achieved (a) GCSE, (b) post-GCSE and (c) third level qualifications in each of the last six years; and what steps he is taking to increase the number of prisoners achieving such qualifications. (136054)

I have been asked to reply.

The information requested is not collected centrally. However, following the introduction of the Learning and Skills Council-led delivery arrangements for offender learning in England from 31 July 2006, data on prisoner achievement will increasingly become available for adults, young offenders and juveniles in custody.

The Government’s proposals for improving the education of offenders are set out in the “Reducing Re-Offending Through Skills and Employment: Next Steps” document which was published on 13 December 2006. Copies of the document were sent to all Members of Parliament on the day of publication.