Supplementary to Question No. 3 in the
Legislative Council on 12 June 1985
Mr. Alex Wu:- In paragraph 1 of the reply, it says "if" the Foundation is
established. Can Mr. Henderson tell this Council whether it would be his
recommendation to establish such a Foundation?
Secretary for Education and Manpower:- I have to use "if" Sir, because this
decision would be the prerogative of the Executive Council.
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Mr. Alex Wu:- As the recommendations contained in the report of the Working
Party on the Development of a Chinese Language Foundation are in line with
those in the Education Commission's No. 1 report concerning the teaching of
Chinese in schools, does the Government consider that any dalays in taking a
decision in this matter will jeopardise the implementation of the many projects
recommended by the Education Commission?
Secretary for Education and Manpower:- Sir, I agree that we should get on
with this now and as fast as possible. The problem here is not one of policy;
we know that we need to improve the production of Chinese text books. The
question is one of method.
Mr. Alex Wu:- Could the Secretary confirm that the recommendations would go
forward to the Executive Council within the time frame stated in paragraph 2
of his reply?
Secretary for Education and Manpower:- I will certainly do my best, Sir, but
there are other people to be consulted.