HC Deb 22 February 1983 vol 37 c407W
23. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much was spent on education and science in each year since 1978–79 in real terms at current prices.

Sir Keith Joseph

Expenditure in cost terms at 1981–82 prices on education and science in 1978–79 was some £11.9 billion, in 1979–80 some £11.7 billion, in 1980–81 some £12.1 billion and in 1981–82 some 11.8 billion. Over the same period pupil numbers fell by some 10 per cent. Final figures for the 1982–83 outturn are not yet available.