§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how the supplying companies were chosen for the Computer for Teachers scheme. [108437]
§ Mr. WillsThe process of identifying suitable companies involved the DfEE issuing a prospectus, to which interested suppliers responded. Their proposals contained financial and historical information on their business, the specifications of computers being offered and a detailed plan of the ways in which the company would support prospective customers. Detailed checks were made on these responses, including checks on the financial strength and stability of the companies concerned. Final selection was made on the basis of advice provided by BECTa to the Tender Board assembled for the purpose. Their decisions and recommendations to the DfEE were arrived at in the light of the proposals received and the results of the checks carried out.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements he has put in place to allow small local suppliers to take part in the Computers for Teachers scheme. [108438]
§ Mr. WillsFollowing the announcement of 12 October, copies of the prospectus were issued on request to interested companies. Nothing in the prospectus precluded applications from small suppliers.