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(a) of the number of school children who died suddenly whilst attending classes in schools over the past three years, together with the causes of their death; and

(b) what measures does the Government have to prevent the occurrence of such deaths?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a) Over the past three years, there is only one such case. This concerns the death of an eight-year-old girl during a Physical Education lesson on 10 October 1995. The cause of death is still under investigation.

(b) Section 55 of the Education Regulations requires that every school should have at least one first aid box and at least two teachers trained in administering first aid. In addition, the Education Department has issued to all schools a handbook on "Safety Precautions in Physical Education for Hong Kong Schools". Annual seminars on safety precautions in Physical Education are also conducted for Physical Education teachers and the chairpersons of the subject panel.

After the exact cause of death in the present case is known, we will consider whether further preventive measures should be taken.

End/Thursday, November 2, 1995

Design standards for secondary and primary schools

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Thursday):

Question:

With regard to the latest design standards for secondary and primary school premises, will the Government inform this Council: