17. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the Leitch report and on the skills base in the UK economy. (181426)

Discussions about the Leitch report and the importance of skills to economic growth are held at ministerial and official level on a regular basis.

Investing in education and skills is vital to ensuring our continued success in today's global economy.

That is why the Government are increasing their investment in improving education and the skills. UK education spending as proportion of GDP projected to increase from 4.7 per cent. in 1996-97 to 5.6 per cent. by 2010-11. Expenditure on higher education and adult skills in England will grow by over £2 billion over the next three years.