§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his Department's definition is of high specification computers; and if he will list the machines that are so categorised. [140432]
§ Mr. WillsThe Department does not use the phrase "high specification" computers or provide a minimum technical specification of computers suitable for use in schools since this will change continually as technology develops. It is also important that schools are able to choose the ICT that they consider most appropriate to improve educational opportunities for their pupils. The Department therefore provides schools with advice and guidance so that they are able to plan, procure and use ICT effectively. In doing so they are able to make reference to appropriate functional specifications for networking, hardware, software and content, training and support that have been agreed as the basis for NGfL (National Grid for Learning) Managed Services.