Dutch Upper House agrees to free schoolbooks

The Dutch Upper House has agreed to introduce free schoolbooks in secondary schools. Currently parents have to buy or rent schoolbooks for secondary school children paying anything up to 400 euros.

However, a majority of the house wants Deputy Minister of Education Marja van Bijsterveldt to investigate whether parents of children in MBO or secondary vocational schools are not worse off. These schools have a system of compensation, which will remain in place.

If it turns out that this group is worse off, the Upper House wants them to be compensated.

During the debate Ms Van Bijsterveldt said there will be an investigation, but she would not promise any compensation. She says that the government would have to discuss the matter first.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 28 May 2008