§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of GDP was spent on education in(a) 1979–80, (b) 1983–84, (c) 1987–88 and (d) 1992–93; what is planned to be spent in 1997–98; and if he will make a statement. [3035]
§ Mr. ByersThe information requested is as follows:
Percentage of GDP spent on education (UK) 1979–80 5.1 1983–84 5.2 1987–88 4.8 1992–93 5.2 Projected expenditure on education in 1997–98 will amount to some £38 billion but accurate figures cannot be calculated until outturn information is available. In 1996–97 the proportion spent on education is estimated to be 4.9 per cent.
§ Mr. FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of his improvement targets on the percentage of GDP to be spent on education over the planning period; and if he will make a statement. [3032]
§ Mr. ByersThe Government are committed over the course of the Parliament to raising the proportion of national income spent on education as it decreases the proportion spent on the costs of economic and social failure.