TNAG-0178-FCO40-214-Education-policy-1969 — Page 6

with (15)

Flag A

Parliamentary Unit

Lamentar

I submit a draft written reply to a Parliamentary

Question by Mr. Colin Jackson (who recently visited Hong Kong) based on the information provided in Hong Kong telegram No. 915.

2. No decision on the introduction of compulsory primary school education into the Colony has yet been taken. The

Hong Kong Government's declared aim is the provision of

free primary education for all who seek it. Its interim

target is to increase the number of places in Government

and subsidised primary schools so as to provide places for all those children of primary school age who seek such places. It is expected to achieve this target by the end

of 1970 when over 600,000 places will be available in Government and subsidised primary schools.

3. Following substantial reductions in fees in Government

and subsidised primary schools this year the standard fees now range from 27/6d. a year in urban schools to 13/9d. a

year for rural schools. Even these are remitted in

deserving cases and grants given for the purchase of text books and stationery.

Hong Kong Department

6.5. Carter Ли

(W. S. Carter)

15 December 1969

Copy to Sir L. Monson

Mr. Godden

isli.