To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much has been spent on the Electronic Learning and Mobility Programme to date; how many laptops have been provided to qualifying pupils under this scheme; and how many laptops issued (a) are out on loan, (b) have been returned damaged and (c) have not been returned and are considered lost or stolen. (259531)

The Electronic Learning and Mobility Project (E-LAMP), which provides quality distance learning opportunities for children who travel for part of the school year, is managed by the National Association of Teachers of Travellers (NATT+). NATT+ works with 50 local authorities and over 1,000 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils on this project. NATT+ has reported that 1,317 laptops were issued from 2004-05 to 2008-09 and that the vast majority of these are still out on loan to the students. There have only been seven incidents of minor accidental damage. One laptop was sold by the family, but recovered quickly as it had been tagged by the local authority and the appropriate action taken to recover the cost. DCSF funding to NATT+ to support the project will comprise £600,000 for the two years beginning September 2008.