Governor on 11th October 1973 and tabled as a Green Paper in the Legislative Council on 31st October. In the foreword to the Green Paper it was pointed out that, although the Government was aware of the need for a substantial expansion of secondary education, final conclusions upon the Board's recommendations would not be reached until public reaction had been assessed. Accordingly, members of the public were invited to comment on the Green Paper before the end of January 1974.
1.5 During the next few months, a substantial number of comments was received from official bodies, educational organizations, and members of the public. As a result of these representations, the Board reconsidered its earlier recommendations, and put forward modified proposals, the bulk of which have been incorporated in this Paper.
1.6 Hong Kong has every reason to be proud of its progress in the provision of educational facilities since the war. The population has increased sevenfold and the demands which have, in consequence, fallen upon its social, economic and financial resources have been immense.
1.7 In spite of the urgent claims of housing, medical services, social welfare, and the manifold demands of a modern urban society, the significant target of making subsidized primary education free for all has been attained. A careful examination of our resources has now satisfied the Government that it is feasible to embark upon the far reaching plans set out in this Paper.
1.8 There is no doubt that the majority of the community fervently believe that there should be a generous expansion of secondary education. The financial and other commitments involved will represent a heavy burden, which can only be carried at the expense of other social and community needs. The Government's duty is to try to balance, as equitably as it can, the competing claims of many more desirable projects than our resources permit us to undertake.
1.9 This programme should go far to provide for the children of Hong Kong the standards of education which they need if they are to be properly equipped to fend for themselves and serve their fellows in the competitive world of the next decade. It will do so in a considerably shorter time than that envisaged in the Green Paper, though at the price of some temporary disadvantages. The cost to the community will be heavy but it is an investment in our future prosperity.
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