Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Wills (Labour) on Thursday, 5 April 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To 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. - Inc figures and fact that Department does not hold this information on a contituency basis.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To 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. Wills: The 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.

Secondary information