REM Crofton Esq MBE
Council for Technical Education and Training for Overseas Countries
Grosvenor Gardens House
35-37 Grosvenor Gardens London SW1 OBS
17 January 1975
3
EQUIPMENT FOR HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
In November 1972 the Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced, with the agreement of the Overseas Development Administration, that HMG were prepared to provide £500,000 for books and equipment for the Hong Kong Polytechnic.
A paper for submission to the projects committee was produced in September 1973, but after discussions with Mr Williams it was with- drawn; the reason being that it was generally considered that some "strengthening" was required. On the basis of the most recent information received from Hong Kong I have drafted a new paner, copy of which is attached. This has been to our economists whose only comment is that they would like to see the inclusion of a paragraph 17(c) commenting on the availability of teaching staff, since they feel sure that the projects committee will wish to be assured, (a) that staffing needs will be met and (b) that there is an effective staff development plan for local staff. Clive Smce hopes we might be able to say something on the lines of the following:-
"An effective staff development programme is under way and should result in the substantial localisation of teaching posts by (1980?). In the meantime staff requirements can be met by recruitment in the United Kingdom market."
He suggested that I might consult Dr Pickard on this aspect. I did so but he suggested that TETOC may be in a better position to provide such information, since you are recruiting staff for the polytechnic.
I should be most grateful for any information on staffing and future staffing plans, and indeed for any comments you might have on the attached paper.