HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 cc126-7W
Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers will be trained in computer methods over the next three years.

Mr. Oakes

The numbers of teachers and intending teachers following training programmes which include some treatment of computer methods is expected to increase significantly over the next few years but it is not possible to give figures at this stage. As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Surrey, North-West (Mr. Grylls) on 12 March—[Vol. 964, c.58]—my Department is currently consulting a wide range of educational and other interests about plans for a five-year microelectronics development programme for schools and colleges at a total estimated cost of £12.5 million. It is intended that the programme should contribute in various ways to teacher training in microelectronics.

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many micro or mini computers will be installed in schools in the United Kingdom by 1981.

Miss Margaret Jackson

It is not possible to estimate how many micro or mini computers will be installed in schools in the United Kingdom by 1981. But, as my hon. Friend the Minister of State told the hon. Member for Surrey, North-West (Mr. Grylls) on 12 March—[Vol. 964, c. 58]—my Department has recently announced proposals for a five-year programme in microelectronics costing an estimated total of £12.5 million, part of which will be available for promoting the introduction and use of new equipment in schools and colleges.

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children took A-level examinations in computer studies in each of the last three years; and what is her estimate for the next three years.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The number of candidates for the English and Welsh Boards GCE A-level computer studies examinations in 1976, 1977 and 1978 were 1,546, 1,870 and 1,968 respectively. Estimates are not available for the next three years.

Mr. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she has any proposals to ensure that all schoolchildren will have the basic "key-boarding" skills for computers; what plans are now being implemented in each of the other EEC countries to ensure that the great demand for basic computer skills is being met by intensive training programmes in the schools; what discussions she has had with her EEC colleagues on this matter; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The development of computer skills will be an important aspect of the five-year programme for schools and colleges to which my hon. Friend the Minister of State referred in his answer to the hon. Member for Surrey, North-West (Mr. Grylls) on 12 March.—[Vol. 964, c.58.] My Department is making inquiries about comparable plans in other EEC countries; so far there have been no discussions on this subject with the other Education Ministers of the Nine.