HC Deb 26 April 1983 vol 41 cc724-5
16. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the number of schools that are equipped with microcomputers.

Mr. William Shelton

Yes, Sir. Virtually all secondary schools are now equipped with at least one microputer and the majority of primary schools are expected to have at least one by December 1984.

Mr. McCrindle

Schools and education authorities have, perhaps understandably, standardised on the Acorn computer in conjunction with the BBC micro, using the corporation's name as a marketing tool, but will my hon. Friend confirm that there remains every opportunity for smaller computer companies to take advantage of the expanding market that still remains for selling these items to schools?

Mr. Shelton

There are two British-made computers in secondary schools—the BBC micro, to which my hon. Friend referred, and the research machine, the 48 CZ. Primary schools have both those computers and the Sinclair Spectrum. I hope that there will be room for additional computers. I should like to add that the scheme is going extraordinarily well. It is a great success and it is a great tragedy that it was introduced seven or eight years ago by the Labour Government.

Mr. Dobson

In view of his enthusiasm, does the Minister agree that there is a great need for in-service training of teachers to help them teach computer studies? If he does agree, what is he doing about it?

Mr. Shelton

The hon. Gentleman should know that in-service training has been taking place, is adequate and is doing well. More than 10,000 teachers have been trained within the microelectronics programme. The hon. Gentleman should also know that no school is permitted to buy a computer at half price unless two teachers have been trained in that school. That applies to primary and secondary schools.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is the Minister satisfied with the supply of software for the computers that are being supplied to schools?

Mr. Shelton

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that there are far more problems with software than with the provision of machines, or, indeed, the training of teachers. About 350 software programmes on a wide range of subjects have now been prepared. In certain areas however, such as special schools, work still needs to be done and we are working hard on this.