28. Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of the United Kingdom's gross national product is spent on education compared with other EEC countries.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe latest year for which the information is available is 1978–79 and is as follows:
Country Total educational expenditure as percentage of Gross National Produce With population of over 50 million United Kingdom 5.4 France 5.3 Germany F.R. 4.7 Italy 4.6 With population of under 15 million Netherland 8.5 Denmark 6.9 Ireland 6.3 Luxembourg 6.1 Belgium 6.0
§ 50. Mr. Jim Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received about the current level of expenditure on education in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephSince 1 January 1982 I have personally met and discussed the current level of expenditure on education in England and Wales that falls within my responsibilities with representatives of the following:
- 21 January—Catholic Teachers' Federation
- 18 February—Secondary Heads Association
- 25 February—Assistant Masters and Mistresses Association
- 25 February—Caribbean Teachers' Association.