TNAG-0103-FCO40-139-Briefs-and-background-notes-for-Lord-Shepherd-1967 — Page 115

RESTRICTED

13.

A survey conducted in 1964 showed there to be nearly 2 million

squatters in the Colony. Although almost 44,000 were resettled last year

for instance, and care taken to ensure that the squatter population

should not be swelled, a considerable and continuing effort is needed

before this substantial problem is solved.

New Towns

14.

Outline plans exist for the New Territories townships which provide

for an increase in population from 415,000 at present to 1,389,000 in

1976. Plans for Castle Peak (220,000 by 1976) and Shatin (145,000 by 1976)

have been approved and work has commenced at the former site. The major

work in progress is at Tsuen Wau/Kwai Chung where the plans envisage an

eventual population of 1.2 million.

C. Education

15.

Since 1963 the Colony's Education policy has been under extensive

review. In that year an Education Commission was set up to study the

Colony's educational needs and to advise on the most economical and

practical ways of meeting them. The Commission reported in October, 1963

and a Working Party of Officials and non-Officials was then set up to

examine their recommendations and to make specific proposals for their

implementation. The Working Party presented its report early in 1965

and a White Paper was then prepared outlining an educational policy for

the future.

General Aims

16. The Government White Paper accepts the view expressed by the

Education Commission that, while it is incapable of achievement at the

present time, the final aim of an educational policy must always be to

provide every child with the best education he or she is capable of

absorbing at a cost that the parents and community can afford.

17.

The circumstances which have led the Hong Kong Government to the

conclusion that a universal or free public education system is not feasible

at the present time are as follows:-

RESTRICTED

/(a)