§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what amounts are projected to be spent from public funds in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) England, (c) Wales, (d) Scotland and (e) Northern Ireland (i) in cash terms and (ii) as a proportion of GDP for financial years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 on education; and if he will make a statement. [116645]
§ Mr. BlunkettNext year, the proportion of GDP spent on UK education and training will be around 5.0 per cent., not including education and training supported under the New Deal.
UK education spending will increase from £41.1 billion in 1999–2000 to £45.8 billion in 2000–01, using the narrower definition of education in "Budget 2000", and, subject to spending review decisions to be announced in the summer, £48.0 billion in 2001–02.
The Manifesto commitment was to increase the share of national income spent on education. We shall meet that commitment: spending will be higher as a proportion of GDP by 2001–02 than it was in 1996–97, and over 16 per cent. higher in real terms.
Details of spending in England will be published shortly in the DfEE Departmental Report. Spending in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the National Assembly, Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland Office.