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eye to the need for greater opportunity and emphasis on technical training.

Secondly the whole structure and equilibrium of our educational system is

to be examined by an International Panel of Visitors.

We must face questions which many of you will already have en-

countered; the balancing of academic choice against accountability for public funds; the financing of post graduate research; the involvement of

industry; the role of the universities in contributing to and guiding

public policies; the provision of greater opportunity for part-time learning.

I have no doubt that your presence in Hong Kong will help to provide us

with new insight into these problems.

Your programme is full, your speakers are distinguished and you are in for a stimulating week of discussion. The Commonwealth connection which we all share provides a favourable background. The countries of the

Commonwealth have rightly gone their can independent and. individual ways.

But from their independent and individual standpoints most have freely

concluded that they share much common ground which is precious and worth preserving. This is of particular value in an age all too prone to point up differences and ignore underlying agreement. Amongst the many areas of association in the Commonwealth that are strong and creative are the academic links to which this gathering of distinguished Vice-Chancellors bears

witness. So too is the role of the Crown as Head of the Commonwealth, It

is therefore a particular pleasure and honour that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is present in Hong Kong at the time of this gathering and will be meeting its members this evening.

In the spirit of the Commonwealth, I welcome you to Hong Kong,

I wish you a successful conference, and have pleasure in declaring open the Association of Commonwealth Universities Conference of Executive Heads.

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