:
4
19.
I do not wish to speak at length on technical education at this
annual conventional debate because I know that Government has belatedly
wakened up to the fact that we are behind in the training and provision
However, better late than never!
of technical workers.
20.
From time to time in the past, it has been claimed that we do
not have sufficient funds to invest more money into the long-term planning
and expansion of educational services. On the other hand, I have heard it
said time and again that we in Hong Kong are so rich that we do not need
any outside assistance or aid in any of our economic or social developmental
projects, and that it is strange why in view of our affluence we do not yet
have a nine year compulsory education system.
21.
In order that we can have a nine year compulsory education system
by 1975, as well as progressively introduce social security for Hong Kong's working population, it is necessary that there should be elected representa- tion in the Legislative Council, which is responsible for deciding how much
taxes should be imposed, and how such taxes should be spent for the benefit
of the people of Hong Kong.
22.
Lord Shepherd stated recently that the United Kingdom Government
will not allow direct elections to the Legislative Council in the near
future. I would urge, therefore, that in order that the people of Hong Kong can have wider representation in the Legislative Council, that the Urban Council nominate two elected members to be appointed by the Governor
to sit on the Legislative Council.
23.
This is the most urgent reform that has to take place if we are to bring enough pressure to bear on Hong Kong's colonial government to provide a better education system as well as progressive social security
for Hong Kong's working population.