HC Deb 17 January 1995 vol 252 cc445-6W
Sir Wyn Roberts

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to develop information technology in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Richards

We have undertaken a substantial programme of investment in information technology in both primary and secondary schools. Under the grants for education support and training programme, it is estimated that £1.9 million will be spent in 1994–95, and expenditure of a similar amount is planned for 1995–96.

Developing a sound knowledge of information technology and its implications is an essential part of children's education. Information technology is, therefore, a compulsory element of the revised national curriculum for all pupils aged five to 14 in maintained schools in Wales. It will also be a common requirement, for all subjects, that pupils should be given opportunities, where appropriate, to develop and apply their information technology capability in their study of all national curriculum subjects.