Written question asked by Bob Blizzard (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 May 2003. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Monday, 12 May 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he expects to conclude a new schools agreement with Microsoft.

Answer: Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he expects to conclude a new schools agreement with Microsoft. [112432] Mr. Charles Clarke: Microsoft and the Department have been working together since last summer to reach an agreement on a way of reducing the cost of licences to schools. This has included work via our agency BECTA on clarifying current arrangements so that schools can make appropriate decisions on the best value for them. I had a meeting with Microsoft officials on 9 April and I am currently awaiting Microsoft's response to the issues raised.

Secondary information