HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
there are about 71,000 places in these two forms in subsidized and private schools, and that of these, 69,000, that is over 97%, are filled. The number of vacant places in Junior Forms 1 and 2 in subsidized schools in resettlement estates, represents only 1% of the total of such places, which does not leave very much room to accommodate further children in these classes.
DR. BELL: Mr. Chairman, in view of that answer, I take it that we are perhaps 8,000 primary school places short. If we are 8,000 primary school places short, would the Commissioner for Resettlement point this out to the Director of Education. If we are not 8,000 school places short, and there are in fact school places for these children but they are not being taken up, why is it not pointed out to the Director of Education that he should be able to have powers to put these children into school?
CHAIRMAN: I think that if we send to the Director of Education a copy of our Official Record, which will include these latest remarks, it will assist when Mr. BARTY approaches the Director about the matter raised by Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN.
MR. SALES: Sir, would it not have been much easier if the Director of Education had been a member of this Council? (Laughter). So, in his stead, I am sorry that my poor friend, the Commissioner has had so bravely, and so laboriously, to defend the Education Department. (Laughter).
MR. BERNACCHI: Sir, may I add my little bit? The Commissioner says in paragraph (b), second sentence, "However, children living in resettlement estates have priority for admission to Government schools near the estates". I hope that he does not mean priority over other equally deserving children also living near the schools, but not in resettlement estates.
COMMISSIONER for RESETTLEMENT: No, I think it is priority over children coming from a distance to occupy the places.
MR. BERNACCHI: Thank you.
(5) MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN asked the following question:
At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Whole Council held on 13th September, 1966, I enquired if it would be possible to obtain copies of the Report of the Government Working Party which was set up to make a preliminary survey on the possibility of local government for Hong Kong. Was a request to this effect ever made and, if so, was any reply received?
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
THE CHAIRMAN replied as follows:
A request for copies of this Report was made on 26th September, at which time the deliberations of the Working Party had not been completed. As Members are aware, the Report was only finalized and submitted to His Excellency the Governor towards the end of November.
Following completion of the Report, a reply was received to the effect that it was in the hands of His Excellency the Governor who would no doubt issue instructions regarding its publication in due course. The Report is now being printed and I am aware that instructions have been issued for advance copies to be supplied to Members of the Urban Council as soon as possible.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, will you confirm that you have received your copy several weeks ago.
CHAIRMAN: Sir, as a Member of the Legislative Council, I received a rough roneograph copy about three weeks ago.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: When I asked for copies, I only asked for advance copies and that included any form of copies, even roneograph copies. Is there any reason, Sir, why Government should discriminate against Urban Councillors in favour of Legislative Council Members when asking for advanced copies which included roneograph copies?
CHAIRMAN: Sir, I do not think you asked for advance copies. You asked for Members of this Council to be supplied with copies. At the time when you made that request it was not even clear whether copies would be made available or the Report made public.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Sir, I think you are playing with words. I think I made it very clear at the time that when copies were to be supplied we would be prepared to accept advance copies of any sort or description including roneograph copies.
CHAIRMAN: Well, Sir, there is no answer to that remark.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Of course not, Sir, because this is a statement of fact.
MR. SALES: Sir, are you able to confirm that the second clause of the opening sentence is part of the terms of reference of the Working Party - advise on practicable alternatives for the development of an effective and convenient system of local administration?
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