**
2(e)
3
CONFIDENTIAL
As indicated in the comments on Article 13 paragraphs 2(a), (b) and (c), the development of a system of schools at all levels is actively pursued. A veriety of opportunities exist, both within Hong Kong and made available by institutions overseas, for teachers to pursue professional studies. Teaching staff employed by Government participate in such improvements of conditions of service as affect the Civil Service generally. Salary scales of teaching staff employed in schools in receipt of recurrent subsidy frçn Government and administered under the relevant Codes of Aid applicable to such schools, are subject to improvement pari passu with those of teaching staff employed in the Civil Service. Conditions of service of teachers in privato schools are matters of private contract between employer and employce, as in the field of manufacturing or service industries generally.
The Education Ordinance, which constitutes the legal framework within which schools are established and conducted in Hong Kong, makes provision for the registration of private schools, subject to statutory requirements regarding the suitability and safety of promises to be used for school purposes, and the suitability of persons to be approved and registered as managers or employed as teachers. Private Schools registered under the Education Ordinance offer a wide variety of courses. at kindergarten, primary, secondary and post-secondary levels. There is no restriction on the liberty of parents or legal guardians to utilize the facilities provided by private schools.
As regards the liberty of individuals to establish and direct educational institutions, the Education Ordinance places no restriction on such liberty other than such as may arise from legitimate concern that individuals applying to be approved or registered as managers of schools are, in general, fit and proper persons to be entrusted with the responsibilities involved.
ARTICLE 14
As regards primary education, the comments on Article 13 paragraph 2(a) above are relevant. While the provisions of Part VII of the Education Ordinance relating to the power of the Director of Education to order attendance at Primary school, do not in a strict legal sense establish compulsory attendance at primary school, they are nevertheless intended substantially to achieve the same effect.
14
CONFIDENTIAL
/ The policy
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