2
Mrs. Chow: - Since the great majority of such private tutorial
schools, as the Director of Education has just told us, fall
outside the ambit of the Ordinance, which is the authority
that deals with malpractice in these schools?
Director of Education:- Of the cases which were referred by the
public to us, the great majority, in fact, do not fall within
the definition of a school. However, many of these cases were
raised by the Consumer Council. We have in fact a joint committee
with the Consumer Council on a regular basis to look at these
complaints and to take remedial action. This Committee started in
1974. It meets regularly and has produced good results.
Mrs. Chow: Is it not true that a number of these tutorial schools.
have actually advertised with money-back guarantees if students
fail in their examinations after they have attended these shools,
and is money actually refunded in case of failure and is
to
Government considering measures curb such advertisement.
Director of Education:- Based on information referred to us from
the Consumer Council, these cases in fact were simply business
advertisements which, on the face of it, were not breaking the law.
However, we are now seeking legal advice to see whether or not
those cases can be taken to court if they in fact do break the law.
Mr. Chan Ying-lun: - Regarding these private tutorial schools
which are not registered, what is the advice of the Education
Department to students who would consider joining one of such
schools?
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