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the difficulty of preventing truancy and of the hardship which certain poor sections of the community, for example the boat people, would suffer through the ancilliary costs of schooling and the loss of income from formerly working children. Additionally, the problems of private schools and their employees, the need to concentrate on vocational studies and the shortage of tertiary education, were raised in both the Chinese and English press.
5.
The "Home Ownership" Scheme produced a similar reaction: largely favourable but with areas of specific criticism or doubt. The consensus was that it would help stabilize prices and ameliorate one of Hong Kong's most serious problems; but worry concentrated on the damaging side effects which might injure other housing policies. Despite the doubts of some developers, it was accepted by most commentators that the private building industry would not be affected seriously. The price proposed for the flats and mortgage repayments were considered to be
fair.
6.
The
The Governor's comments on Hong Kong's economy and his hopes for the future were strongly welcomed with the exception of the proposed Planning Tribunal on Insider Trading, the effectiveness of which was generally called into question. attack on the EEC's attempt to limit the import of Hong Kong textiles was wholeheartedly welcomed, as was the establishment of the Committee to Investigate and Encourage Industrial Diversification. The creation of the Monetary Affairs Branch was seen as paving the way for Hong Kong to establish a central bank on Western lines and, as such, was generally praised.
7.
Only one important area of policy came in for widespread criticism. The new administrative approach to the New Territories was received coolly and it was argued that the most likely result of the measures, unless the greatest care was taken, would be a confrontation between the Rural Committees and the proposed District Advisory Boards.
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