§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the use of smart card technology in her Department and in the areas for which it is responsible; and what discussions she has had with private companies about the use of smart card technology within her Department. [50475]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 16 April 2002]: The Connexions card is a smart card designed to encourage young people to continue in learning beyond 16. Young people can collect points every time they attend a learning session, which can then be redeemed for a wide range of rewards and "money can't buy" opportunities—for example, going behind the scenes at a pop concert or attending a top sporting event. Cardholders will also receive on-the-spot discounts in a wide range of high street shops.
The Department has developed the Connexions card through a public private partnership with Capita who are providing the technological and commercial infrastructure to support the initiative. The fact that the card and its infrastructure are smart means that it is capable of taking on more functions such as helping a school or local education authority validate the payment of education maintenance allowances or an e-purse for cashless catering.
The card is currently being rolled out region by region and will be available across England from autumn 2002.
Educational psychologists (full-time equivalent) In service LEA 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 FT vacancies 2001 City of London 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 Camden 8.4 7.5 7.5 10.9 12.0 0.0 Greenwich 16.0 16.9 15.9 12.9 14.5 1.0 Hackney 11.0 10.0 10.5 11.7 12.5 1.0 Hammersmith and Fulham 6.5 7.5 9.3 7.5 5.9 1.0 Islington 10.0 13.0 12.3 14.1 12.0 0.0