§ 49. Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to introduce a comprehensive programme of educational provision geared to the skill needs of new technology.
§ Sir Keith JosephUnder the microelectronic education programme the Government have provided a strong lead in developing in schoolchildren the skills needed for the new technology.
In non-advanced further education I announced last week a programme for the introduction of information technology across a range of vocational subjects, and I refer the hon. Member to my statement of 12 June, at columns 421–22.
In higher education the Government's initiative to increase the number of places in IT subjects has begun to be implemented from this academic year, and by 1985–86 there are expected to be some 5,000 more such places than under previous plans. Also, in universities, there is an exploratory programme for the development of computer work stations for the average undergraduate user.