U
U
on 1 September fees would be increased to $1,500
at primary, and to $3,000 at Secondary English-
竑
speaking schools, as a result of a long standing
decision to introduce parity of subsidy, to
equivalent English and Chinese-speaking schools.
This decision was reached because the gross cost
per place in a Government English Junior school
was almost three times that for a place in an
equivalent Government Chinese primary school.
far as secondary schools were concerned the ratio
was 2.5: 1. In order that the level of subsidy
remained the same for all levels of the community,
98.5% of whom are Chinese-speaking, the Government
regarded it only equitable that the difference
in cost should be passed on to those enjoying
higher standards.
REACTIONS
So
4. Whilst Chinese opinion commended the
Government for implementing a policy of parity, the
expatriate community strongly opposed Government
proposals on the grounds that the increases were
unnecessarily great and insufficient notice had
been given. The matter was hotly debated in the
local press and many individuals wrote to
Members of Parliament.
Petitions were sent to
the Secretary of State by the Joint Council of
Parent-Teacher Associations of the English-speaking
Schools and by the Association of European Civil
Servants. The latter organisation at one point
also contemplated taking the unprecedented step
of sending a delegation to London to see the
of sending a ddegallon bo London to see the
Secretary of State to contest Hong Kong Government
policy. There was widespread concern, and in
Inanti onlex
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