C.S. 155
(b)
CONFIDEN I IZAN.
7
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XCC(75)8
(vii) the importance of not impeding the planned
expansion of the university student numbers by postponing capital works, if possible; and
whether the planned increase of the intake for the universities for the academic year starting September 1975 could take place without increasing expenditure on the universities and the Polytechnic in 1975-76 and, if so, what the consequential additional expenditure in 1976-77 and 1977-78 would be.
Public relations
23
The proposed measures are likely to prompt adverse reaction from both students and staff alike. However if the planned expansion of student numbers can be maintained at the universitics and Poly- technic, protests should lose some of their force. University capital items which may have to be deferred are likely to include student day facilities at HKU, student residential hostels, and minor and senior staff quarters at both universities. In view of these cutbacks, student protests must be regarded as probable.
24
The major defence of the measures ultimately proposed will have to be in the budget speech and a firm statement from the Govern- ment that there is not enough money available to do all that is required. After this it will be primarily the task of the UPGC to explain why the limited funds available have been allocated in whatever way is ultimately decided. It will be essential to maintain a very clear distinction between (a) the Government, which decides what funds can be made available; and (b) the UPGC, which advises how those funds should be allocated.
25
Honourable Members are asked to keep the contents of this memorandum confidential until the Chairman of the UPGC makes an announcement, probably in mid March.
Matters for Decision
26
Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether the UPGC should be invited to recommend how the funds likely to be available for capital expenditure for the next three years should be allocated; 'bearing in mind the considerations in paragraph 22.
(The Secretary for Social Services (Mr F.K. LI) and the Secretary, University and Polytechnic Grants Committee (Mr S. F. BAILEY) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
7th February 1975
(CR 16/2041/73 II)
CONFIDENTIAL
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COUNCIL CHAMBER
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