§ 8. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many private computer programming schools have made application to his Department for recognition as efficient; and in how many cases has such recognition been given.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsOne. This is under consideration. I understand that a second school is likely to make a formal application. It is open to others to apply if they wish to do so.
§ Mr. HuntIs that not a disappointing response? Does not the reluctance of these private computer programming schools to submit to inspection by the Department indicate that, with one or two honourable exceptions, they are offering courses and services which are virtually worthless? Can the Department do more to warn potential students that they are wasting their time and money on these expensive courses?
§ Mrs. WilliamsYes, Sir. I appreciate the great efforts which the hon. Gentleman has put into clarifying the situation for students of computer studies. He will be encouraged to know that the City and Guilds of London Institute is exploring, with a number of computer programming schools, the possibility of establishing examinations which would be nationally recognised. Schools which are recognised by us and those which are not would be eligible; and I hope that that would mean good currency driving out the bad.