14
L.P.
M.R.
L.P.
J.W.M.
L.P.
A.W.
The Joint Declaration states that besides Chinese,
English can be used. Not only before 1997 but
for a long time after 1997, English will be used
in parallel to Chinese. Because HK is an International
trade centre, to maintain HK's trade status of free
trade English is unavoidable. For example the legal
language is English. Some English law is being
translated into Chinese but a large amount cannot be.
Much will be in English because of common law precedents
from elsewhere. It is also stated in the Joint
?? Declaration bridges can be laid overseas.
English
will be used extensively. Since English is so widely
used English education will continue to be taught.
Will the English Schools Foundation continue and
continue to get a subsidy from Government.
The details will be handled by the HK SAR Government.
Proceding from the Chinese Governments policy English
system of education will continue in future.
Do you see an association such as we are continuing
after 1997 and do you see Trade Unions such as ours
continuing.
It will be explicitly stated in the Basic Law since
there is freedom to organise and work, Trade Unions
will continue to exist. Overseas civil servants if
they want, have the same freedom.
Would they be free to affiliate say with a Chinese
Union.
/P.15