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in schools.
Can the government inform this Council that
in the light of Hong Kong being an international city,
the medium of English would not be really put in the
backyard, so to speak, so as to enable our students in
future to be able to take up the challenge of international
commerce and industry?
His Excellency the President:- The question is related to the
teaching of English (laughter) but you may reply.
Director of Education:- Sir, Members might recall that in the
first report of the Education Commission, it was suggested
that schools will be given the freedom to continue to choose
their medium of instruction although the intention is that,
subject to the results of research being conducted, it is
proposed to encourage the greater use of Chinese as the
medium of instruction in secondary schools. However, the
Commission and the Government believe that this must be
coupled with other measures to strengthen the teaching of
English as a subject.