§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many and what proportion of the teachers who applied for the Computers for Teachers scheme(a) received repayments within one month of the application, (b) are awaiting partial repayments and (c) are awaiting full repayments. [130775]
§ Mr. WillsOwing to the popularity of the scheme, a backlog in making payments developed. This meant that 1,232 teachers received their computer subsidies within one month of the application. All but 217 valid claims have now been settled in full, and a further 346 incomplete applications have been received. Those involved have been contacted for further details.
In recognition of inconvenience that may have been caused, a payment of £15 will be made to individual teachers where more than 30 days has elapsed between receipt of a valid application and payment or investigation of the claim.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what preparations his Department has made to ensure that data protection regulations are adhered to in the administration of the Computers for Teachers scheme; and if he will make a statement. [130776]
§ Mr. WillsTeachers' information is stored on a secure database designed solely for the purpose of recording eligibility information and calculating Computers for Teachers subsidies and associated audit activities. All personal information relating to teachers' applications will be removed from the database, when the administration of the scheme is concluded.