§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines he has issued to schools on furniture and lighting requirements for pupils using computer equipment; and if he will make a statement. [24660]
§ Mr. ByersThe Department's Building Bulletin 81 "Design and Technology Accommodation in Secondary Schools" provides guidance on computer furniture in schools and further guidelines are published by the British Standards Institute in BS 5873, "Educational Furniture, and BS 4875, Strength and Stability of Furniture. Lighting standards for maintained schools are those prescribed in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996. In addition to these minimum requirements, building Bulletin 87 "Guidelines for Environmental Design in Schools" includes specific guidance on lighting for pupils using computers.