To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the work of the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency. (80863)

[holding answer 28 June 2006]: In line with Government practice that some non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) were reviewed every five years, the Department conducted an overall assessment of the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) which was published in March 2003. Copies of the report are lodged in the House of Commons Library.

Becta’s work is assessed through the governance and programme management arrangements that the Department has in place, which include:

representation as an assessor on Becta’s Board by the Department’s Technology Group Director;

regular business reviews of Becta's delivery against the Department’s priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to replace the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency inclusion team with a new support team for special educational needs; and if he will make a statement. (80861)

The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) is a non-departmental public body responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of my e-strategy priorities in education and children's services—which includes support for all learners including those with special educational needs. BECTA's internal organisational structures are a matter for the organisation.