TNAG-0121-FCO40-157-Kowloon-walled-city-and-adjoining-areas-1970 — Page 26

0003160 G.F. 316

SECRET

10.

If it is felt desirable for Government to adopt a course of action now over the problem of fire hazards, then consideration might perhaps be given to mounting a campaign of publicity directed to creating greater awareness of fire-risks within the Walled City. Such a campaign would not be directed exclusively to the dangers in school premises, but would encompass all premises and activities involving fire-risks.

11.

The Committee suggests that consideration be given to the feasibility of a survey under the supervision of City District Officer (Kowloon City), and covering an appropriate area including the Walled City, to acquire additional information as to:

12.

(a) the extent to which pupils at schools within the Walled

City are recruited from areas outside;

(b) the readiness of parents within the Walled City to

utilise school places outside the area, if such places were to be made available;

(c) the importance of additional welfare benefits (e.g. milk,

meals, child-minding facilities) in attracting parents to make use of schools in the Walled City;

(a) other matters, as appropriate.

These enquiries should be made in the context of other enquiries in the field of matters of social welfare, so as not to provoke speculation as to possible action by Government in relation to schools.

13.

The results of such a survey might suggest other courses of action which could make it practicable to effect some reduction in the number of children at school in the Walled City without adverse consequences.

17th November, 1959. COLONIAL SECRETARIAT

SECRET