XN000022-1997-04-16 — Page 34

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· 13.

(c)

(ii)

The numbers of Chinese Language teachers who are non-subject- trained at primary and secondary levels are 1438 (i.e. 12.7%) and 1023 (i.e. 20.8%) respectively.

(iii) The numbers of English Language teachers who are subject- trained at primary and secondary levels are 3798 (i.e. 44.4%) and 2922 (i.e. 54.4%) respectively.

(iv)

The numbers of English Language teachers who are non-subject- trained at primary and secondary levels are 4754 (i.e. 55.6%) and 2451 (i.e. 45.6%) respectively.

One of the main purposes of the pilot exercise is to assess re-training needs. Ample re-training opportunities will be provided to enable teachers to upgrade their language standards. Other than those who require re-training after the assessment, we are considering giving teachers the option of taking the training course before they go through the benchmark assessment. This is in line with the primary objective of the benchmarking exercise, which is to ensure that our teachers will be fully competent in the teaching of languages or in using them as a medium of instruction. Pending the results of the pilot exercise, ACTEQ will advise and the Education Department will work out the arrangements for re-training.

Review of Social Security Allowance

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Chi-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

As the Government is undertaking a review of the Social Security Allowance (SSA) scheme, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

of the purpose and scope of the review;