§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of GDP he expects to be spent on state schools across the UK in the years(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 as a result of the comprehensive spending review. [81899]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe estimate that recurrent spending on state schools across the UK in 1998–99 will be approximately 2.9 per cent. of Gross Domestic Product. We are unable at this stage to offer a meaningful estimate of spending on state schools in 1999–2000 and 2000–01.
The extra £19 billion across the UK over the next three years provided by the Comprehensive Spending Review for the education sector overall will deliver the manifesto commitment to increase the share of GDP spent on education from 4.8 per cent. in 1996–97 to 5 per cent. by 2001–02.