HC Deb 22 May 1979 vol 967 c72W
31. Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schools will participate in his Department's plans for the study of microelectronics; what will be the highest, and lowest, amount to individual schools; and what will be the average amount to all schools.

Mr. Macfarlane

My Department recently invited comments on proposals to set up a programme to promote an awareness of microelectronics in schools and colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. My colleagues and I will be considering the scope for such a programme in the light of public expenditure decisions and the part to be played by the education system as a whole in developing and applying this new technology. Questions about participation by individual schools in a programme might need examination thereafter, although any programme should be designed to bring benefits to schools generally.