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<p> </p><p> </p><p>The information requested in parts (a) and (b) of the question
is set out in Tables 1 and 2 below for 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, which are the
last three years for which this information was collected.</p><p> </p><p>The information
requested in part (c) was provided in my earlier answer to the right honourable Member
for Tooting on 6 June 2013: (<a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130606/text/130606w0003.htm#13060674001141"
target="_blank">http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130606/text/130606w0003.htm#13060674001141</a>).</p><p>
</p><p>Figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any
large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.</p><p>
</p><p>Purposeful activity was formerly a performance indicator for prisons, but was
discontinued at the start of 2012-13. The indicator was not used in the day-to-day
management of prisons and NOMS had concerns over the burden on the frontline of collecting
the information. Indicators introduced into prison SLAs in respect of rehabilitation,
resettlement and work in prisons provide a better demonstration of the efforts to
equip prisoners to be less likely to offend on release.</p><p> </p><p>Work in prisons
is a key priority to ensure prisoners are engaged purposefully whilst they are in
custody. It also gives them the opportunity to learn skills and a work ethic which
can increase their chances of finding employment on release, a key element to reducing
reoffending.</p><p> </p><p>The number of prisoners working in industrial activity
in public sector prisons increased from around 8,600 in 2010-11 to around 9,700 in
2012-13. This delivered an increase in the total hours worked in industrial activities
from 10.6 million hours to 13.1 million hours. The average hours per week spent in
education has increased since 2010.</p><p> </p><p>In addition there are substantial
numbers of prisoners who work to keep prisons running on tasks such as cooking, serving
meals, maintenance and cleaning.</p><p> </p><p>Our reforms to the Incentives and Earned
Privileges national policy framework came into effect in adult prisons on 1 November
2013. Prisoners will be expected to engage in purposeful activity, as well as demonstrate
a commitment towards their rehabilitation, reduce their risk of reoffending, behave
well and help others if they are to earn privileges.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Figures
are published in the NOMS Annual Report Management Information Addendum: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225225/mi-addendum.pdf</a></p>
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