§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the proportion of gross domestic product spent on compulsory age state education in each of the years 1995–96 to 1999–2000. [78707]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 25 March 1999]: The following table sets out figures for 1995–96 to 1997–98, the latest year for which outturn information is available. The figures represent recurrent spending on state schools across the UK expressed as a proportion of GDP. The resources announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review provide for the proportion of GDP devoted to education to rise over the Parliament, in fulfilment of the Government's manifesto commitment.
Percentage Year Recurrent spending on state schools as a proportion of GDP1 1995–96 2.9 1996–97 2.8 1997–98 2.8 1Includes spending on school sixth forms within secondary schools and nursery education within primary schools. Does not include capital expenditure.