HC Deb 20 April 1988 vol 131 c455W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to counter the decline in the numbers of women studying computing at universities and polytechnics.

Mr. Jackson

The overall number of women starting computing courses at universities and polytechnics has increased over the past five years.

The figures are:

Female enrolments on computing courses
Polytechnics1 in England (full-time equivalent) Universities2 in the United Kingdom (full-time)
1982 496 412
1983 589 381
1984 557 342
1985 688 363
1986 785 367
1 All advanced courses in computing.
2 Full-time courses for first degrees or diplomas.

Annex A

Proposals for the ESG programme in England in 1989–90 Activities with New Starts in 1989–90
Expenditure in 1989–90 cash Total in new starts plus committed Rate of Grant
NEW ACTIVITIES
Financial Delegation to Schools
1. Financial Delegation to Schools 25.0 25.0 70