Computers in Schools

HC Deb 04 June 1996 vol 278 cc398-9W

Mr. Nigel Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to promote an increase in the availability of computers in schools before the next general election. [31057]

Mr. Robin Squire

The Department is continuing to promote the availability of computers in schools through its programme of grants for education support and training and by other means.

Mr. Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what schemes have been put in place since 1992 to ensure that each child(a) has had access to a computer and (b) is computer literate by the time he or she leaves school. [31059]

Mr. Squire

The Department has continued to support the development of pupils' information technology skills in a number of ways. These include the establishment of IT as a separate subject within the national curriculum; the programme of grants for education support and training which supports the purchase of computer hardware, software and teacher training in IT; and support for the work of the National Council for Educational Technology.