HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc259-60W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made in the measures taken to encourage general instruction in computer technology in schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

In schools there is a steady growth of courses in computer oriented mathematics and appreciation of computer techniques, and an increasing number of pupils have access to computers

Colleges of further education offer a wide range of specialised courses for various categories of computer personnel, and many non-specialist courses for persons who require some appreciation of computers and their operation. A growing number of advanced further education courses, especially in engineering, have computation as a necessary element; courses in mathematics, management and business studies include the study of computer techniques. The number of computers in colleges has more than doubled since 1965.

My Department has recently published a special information bulletin giving full details of computer courses in technical colleges, including a list of the colleges where they are provided. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.