TNAG-0325-FCO40-361-Proposed-visit-by-the-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Com-1972 — Page 109

for some 1,700,000 people (40 per cent or the total population).

The Government are fully aware, nowever, that there is much

more to be done. They have plans to house or re-house a

further 528,000 people over the next six years and are considering

whether a substantial increase in this rigure would be reasible.

EDUCATION

4. 8. Free Primary Education

Last October the Hong Kong Government announced that

the existing small primary school Iee would be entirely

done away with early in 1971.

b. Compulsory Primary Education

The Hong Kong Government are examining the possibility

of introducing a form of compulsory primary education

appropriate to the circumstances of the Colony. It

would deal with the cases of parents who appear

unnecessarily to be withholding their children from

primary schools.

The family's circumstances would be

investigated and arrangements made, if necessary as

result of a Court order, for the children to attend

school for such a period and in such a manner as best

suited the family's requirements.

c. Technical Education

The Hong Kong Government and industry recognise the

importance of technical education and the provision of

additional technical institutes is under examination.

OMBUDSMAN

5. It may be that an Ombudsman will be necessary in Hong Kong.

Before any rinal decision can be reached the recently reorganised

orrice of the Unorricial Members of the Executive and

Legislative Councils should be given an opportunity of showing

whether it can successfully deal with all the complaints referred

to it.