Two initiatives have arrived simultaneously to give insights into the future. The Foresight Knowledge Pool, sponsored by the DTI, is now available at www.foresight.gov.uk. It is an electronic library of visions, information and views about the future. When construction of the site is finished it will provide a single point of access to the work of Foresight panels and to most Government information available on the worldwide web. 

The claim made by The Times that plans have been approved for inviting private companies to run the benefits system have been strongly denied. Private companies have, however, been invited to tender for four Single Gateway pilot projects due to take place in November 1999. 

By James Tooley
Private education initiatives are flourishing in developing countries. Professor Tooley gives a snapshot of the scene based on research for the International Finance Corporation - the private finance arm of the World Bank. Despite the fact that companies invest heavily in R&D and quality control, many are suspicious of the private sector and unaware of the opportunities it offers.