More than 40 percent of rural families in China will spend most of their net income on their children's education in the next three years, according to a survey by the China Consumers Association last Thursday.

The report on rural consumption shows that apart daily necessities, education was a major burden. About 19 percent said agricultural production materials are the biggest expense.

Housing was the main expense for 16 percent of those surveyed.

Only 0.9 percent of rural families choose to spend their net income on travel, which indicated that most rural families are still struggling for better standards of living.

The survey also showed that insurance had become a new expense for rural people. About 58.7 percent of rural families have at least one insurance policy. Life, endowment and medical insurance were three main polices.

More than three quarters of those surveyed were satisfied with health services and 77 percent said they were satisfied with the quality of education in local schools.

Rural consumers considered quality as the priority in consumption, followed by price.

The investigation was conducted 13 provinces and municipalities across the country.

(Xinhua News Agency December 29, 2003)