§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much government funding is available to connect schools to the National Grid for Learning; and how much was spent on rural schools in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 to date. [78398]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisGovernment are committed to investing £1.8 billion on ICT in schools in England over 1998–2004; this covers equipment, content and training as well as connecting schools to the National Grid for Learning through the internet. Allocations to schools in 2000–01 and 2001–02 were £205 million and £245 million, respectively. A further £355 million is being allocated in 2002–03. This funding is not disaggregated for connections to the internet or for the amount allocated to rural schools. However, latest survey data published on 30 October indicate that average school expenditure on ICT has risen from £18,100 in 2000–01 to £24,800 in 2001–02.