CYPHER/CAT A
TOP COPY
RESTRICTED
ROUTINE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
TELEGRAM NUMBER 155
TO HONG KONG
16 MARCH 1970.
(HKK 9/1)
RESTRICTED.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: PRIMARY EDUCATION,
JOHN RANKIN M.P. HAS PUT THE FOLLOWING QUESTION DOWN FOR ORAL
ANSWER ON 6 APRIL.
BEGINS. TO ASK THE SECRETARY OF STATE IF HE WILL CONSULT WITH THE
GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING FREE PRIMARY
EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN WITHIN THE AGES OF 6-11 YEARS: AND
HOW MANY YOUNG PERSONS IN THAT AGE GROUP ARE NOT, AT PRESENT,
ATTENDING SCHOOL.
ENDS.
2. WE PROPOSE TO ANSWER FIRST PART OF QUESTION ON FOLLOWING LINES:
"'WE ARE IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ABOUT
THIS ISSUE. THAT GOVERNMENT IS RAPIDLY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF
PLACES AVAILABLE IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS AS
A FIRST STEP TOWARDS FULFILLING THE DECLARED AIM OF PROVIDING
FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN WHO DESIRE IT''.
3. GRATEFUL FOR YOUR VIEWS AND ALSO FOR AS CLOSE A FIGURE AS
POSSIBLE (WITH ANY RELEVANT COMMENT) IN REPLY TO FIRST PART OF
QUESTION.
STEWART.
8
FILES
HONG KONG DEPT. MR. WILFORD
RESTRICTED
K.271.
PI.P.A.
915/4/70.