§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to expand provision for information technology in Welsh schools. [28174]
§ Mr. HainThe Grants for Education Support and Training programme includes provision of up to £3.35 million for LEAs in Wales in 1998–99 to support a comprehensive package of training in the use of information and communications technologies in school, and the purchase of computer equipment. Individual Authorities were informed of their allocations on 30 January.
In addition, we are making available a further £3 million to allow LEAs to implement the National Grid for Learning in Wales. Authorities are currently drawing up their plans for submission to the Department. I expect to announce details of allocations as early as possible in the new financial year.
Teachers in Wales will also benefit fully from the Lottery-funded ICT training which will be available from 1999, subject to the passage of the National Lottery Bill currently before Parliament.