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73.
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I am acutely aware of the problems faced by the 15,000 ·
20,000 Hong Kong students in overseas universities, particularly those
studying in Britain, who recently faced severe increases in tuition fees.
The Government has introduced a loan scheme for Hong Kong students in
AL GEN
Britain with effect from September of this year. This should bring
some measure of relief. But whatever we do undoubtedly our local system must be
further developed, and our reliance on overseas places reduced.
Technical Education and Industrial Training
74.
30
Subject to the approval of Executive Council legislation will
shortly be introduced to create a statutory Vocational Training Council.
which will have executive as well as advisory powers for the promotion
of industrial training. Both Technical Institutes and industry training
schemes will come within the purview of the Council, which will have
its own department to serve as its executive arm.
75.
The Construction Industry and the Clothing Industry Training
Authorities will maintain their current financing arrangements and also
expand their activities.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Social Security
76.
The Social Welfare Department, amongst other things, administers
the safety net that protects those who through no fault of their own
lack means of support in our competitive society. The past year saw
significant improvements in benefits payable under the Public Assistance
Scheme. In addition to automatic cost-of-living increases, the basic
/value