§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that computers and software used in schools under the Government's IT initiative, are upgraded to reflect technical change; and what criteria are used to determine when equipment is obsolete and in need of replacement. [119745]
§ Mr. WillsThe Government are supporting £657 million of investment in schools' information and communications technology (ICT) provision up to 2002 as part of the National Grid for Learning Initiative. This funding may be used to install new equipment and software and to replace or upgrade older infrastructure. It is a matter for schools themselves in the light of their own particular needs to decide when equipment and software has come to the end of its useful life. Regular competitions held by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency to certify NGfL Managed Service suppliers set standards which ensure that the networks, equipment and services available to schools and other learning institutions keep pace with technical and other changes.