To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much was spent on providing educational courses to offenders serving custodial sentences in the latest period for which figures are available. (179381)

I have been asked to reply.

In the financial year 2006-07, the overall spend by the Learning and Skills Council on the delivery of the Offenders' Learning and Skills Service in custodial establishments to adult offenders was £115 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what language courses are offered to offenders serving custodial sentences. (179382)

I have been asked to reply.

The majority of language courses offered to offenders held in English public sector prisons are English language courses—to incorporate literacy skills and key skills in communication, which is a vital aspect in improving the employability prospects of offenders. English is also offered to speakers of other languages.

A small number of European languages including German, Spanish, French and Welsh is offered to a minority of offenders in English public sector prisons based on an assessment of need.