DES (Dept of Education and Science) establishes the Microelectronics Education Programme, (MEP) to support educational computing (mainly secondary sector – expanded into Primary), through the establishment of 14 regional consortiums of LEAs, plus 4 Special Education Microelectronics Resource Centres (SEMERCs). The idea for a new National Programme (England, Wales, Northern Ireland with separate arrangements for Scotland) had first been raised on 6th March 1979 via a consultation document Primary developments included to setting up of Blue File Software programs which were freely available. Project headed up by Anita Straker. Total budget £23m
