HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc751-2W
Dr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average expenditure per full-time student on computing facilities in polytechnics in England and Wales in 1982–83 and 1981–82.

Sir Keith Joseph

The Department does not hold data on local education authorities' expenditure in the detail requested; that for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Dr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the average expenditure per full-time student on computing facilities in universities in England and Wales in 1982–83 and 1981–82.

Sir Keith Joseph

The average expenditure per full-time equivalent student on central computing facilities in universities from funds made available by the Government on the advice of the Computer Board was as follows:

Academic Years
1981–82 £ 1982–83 £
Capital expenditure 47.93 49.36
Recurrent expenditure 56.70 65.68

The Universities also received recurrent grant for expenditure on teaching and research and capital equipment grant through the University Grants Committee; in addition, grants were made by the research councils. No details are available of the amounts spent on computing facilities from these sources.

Dr. Bray

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he proposes to take to rectify the deficiencies in computer services in polytechnics identified by Her Majesty's inspectors' recent reports.

Sir Keith Joseph

It is for the authorities maintaining the polytechnics to remedy deficiencies in provision. I hope that they will take heed of any criticisms of physical resources or staff development in HMI reports.