HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 15 February 1989
香港立法局 一九八九年二月十五日
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improvements to the scheme can be introduced before the next round of applications is invited in September this year.
MRS. FAN: Sir, the present scheme has attracted considerable criticism from the public, many of whom are parents. Is it intended that parents' views be excluded from their assessment of the scheme? If so, why?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: No, Sir, the survey form in fact will contain specific space for comments by students and their parents on the scheme.
MR. DAVID CHEUNG: Sir, will the Secretary inform this Council whether in the Education Department assessment the situation of students of the tertiary institutions will be taken into consideration as well?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, the intention is to look at the scheme as a whole, including the tertiary sector.
MRS. CHOW: In the process of assessment will comparison be drawn between the old and the new schemes with regard to the public's acceptance?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: In looking at the new scheme, we will be primarily looking at how we can improve it. I think we will certainly bear in mind the alternatives, including the old scheme.
MR. ANDREW WONG: Sir, the Secretary referred to reviewing the scheme to make improvements to it. Will the Secretary confirm whether or not he is prepared to consider my original proposal back in 1988 during the Budget debate when I suggested that students be given half fare with the additional cost to be borne by other commuters?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, we will first of all see whether we can improve the existing scheme but, if it is felt to be justified, we will also look at alternatives including the one mentioned by Mr. WONG.