§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many secondary schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham were connected to the internet(a) in May 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [156491]
§ Mr. WillsThe Department does not hold this information on a constituency basis. However, since 1996 the percentage of primary and secondary schools in England with internet connections has increased from 5 per cent. to 86 per cent., and from 47 per cent. to 98 per cent., respectively. I am confident therefore that we are on track to meet our target of connecting all schools to the internet by 2002 and, in doing so, to enable all pupils to benefit from access to resources that will enrich their learning and help to improve standards.