§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if all the computers being installed in schools under the Government's initiative for computers in schools are able to provide access to the internet. [105157]
§ Mr. WillsThe Government are making available over £700 million over the four years 1998–2002 for the networking and equipping of schools in the UK. The Government are committed to ensuring that all schools are connected to the internet by 2002, but it is for schools to decide their own pattern of ICT purchasing, and whether they make use of services and systems supporting internet connection from each computer, in the light of their own needs and development plans.
The Department published last year the results of the latest annual survey of ICT in provision in schools. Subsequent surveys will indicate the growth in number of schools with internet connections.
Percentage schools connected DfEE survey March 1996 Primary 5 Secondary 47 Special 8 March 1998 Primary 17 Secondary 83 Special 31 March 1999 Primary 62 Secondary 93 Special 60