100.
38
the benefit so long after its announcement as to cause great
On the other hand since two years notice of
disappointment.
compulsory education had to be given, announcement of the
Government's intention to make it free had to be made now.
These arguments and explanations apart, I believe that
Honourable Members will share the Government's lack of concern
about logic in this instance since it permits an earlier
benefit in a field to which the people of Hong Kong attach
particular importance. You will therefore be invited to agree
that fees should be abolished as from the beginning of the school year 1978/79 and for all in Form I to III in the public
seator.
I should however emphasise that your Government draws a clear
distinction between primary and secondary education up to Form III for
which attendance is or will be compulsory, and education in higher
forms or places of education where attendance is voluntary or provided
for under other legislation. hile education at Form IV and above
will remain very heavily subsidised, modcrate fees will continue to
be charged to those who can pay them and will be remitted in whole or
in part for those who cannot.
/Review of...