§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to revoke the decision to exclude special schools from his scheme to introduce micro-computers into schools.
§ Mr. ButcherI have been asked to reply.
The only direct financial support provided by central Government to help schools buy micro-computers has been provided through three schemes run by the Department of Trade and Industry, the last of which finished in December 1984. Special schools were eligible to apply for support under all these schemes, on the same basis as any other school, and many have done so. There is no question, therefore, of special schools being excluded from Government support.
In addition, an extensive pack of software, designed for use in special education, is being made available free of charge to local education authorities throughout the United Kingdom for distribution to special schools and units. This pack is being provided by joint funding arrangements between my Department and the United Kingdom education departments.