La
21 March 1979
Mr Robert Parry (Liverpool, Scotland Exchange): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what powers exist in Hong Kong to enforce compulsory education up to the age of 14 years; in whom or what such powers are vested; if such powers have ever been invoked; if so, what are the details of prosecutions or other enforcement; and what is the establisheent of staff charged with the enforcement of such powers.
No W19
NE EVAN LUARD
The Director of Education has statutory powers to enforce compulsory attendance at school by children between 6 and 12. These powers will be extended to children aged 12 and 13 in September 1979 and aged 14 in September 1980. Enforcement is the responsibility of 98 District Education Inspectors assisted by Social Welfare Department staff. There have only been two prosecutions since 1971 but 10,099 cases were investigated in the 1977-78 school year.