§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many information technology centres are now operating in Scotland; what is the average cost of fitting out each; what is the average length of time taken before an information technology centre becomes fully operational; and if he will give a breakdown of the sponsorship of information technology centres between the Scottish Development Agency, industrial sponsors, educational sponsors and local authority sponsors.
§ Mr. Allan StewartAt present, there are 19 such centres operating in Scotland. Information on fitting out costs is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate expense. Similarly, precise information is not available on the length of time before a centre becomes fully operational but this should be achieved in the majority of cases within six months of approval by the Area Manpower Board. Since the centres in Scotland are run by consortia of interested parties it is not possible to provide a breakdown of sponsorship in the form requested.
§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if there is anything to preclude an information technology centre from being established in Scotland at a secondary school in surplus, but separate premises.
44W
§ Mr. Allan StewartNo. However, a centre's management committee must, in considering where the centre should be sited, take account of such factors as the cost, the position and future availability of the premises, and the desirability of providing an environment which will give a realistic introduction to working life.