TNAG-0658-FCO40-807-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-1977 — Page 50

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Appendix I

in the light of the number of enrolments in Government primary schools over the last 5 years, it appears that the number of Government primary

school classes will fall further. If this is ture, it follows that

the number of Government primary school teachers surplus to operational requirements by September 1980 could well be in the region of 1,100.

4. What does this mean in terms of the "redundancy situation" which you described in your recent letter to the Chief Secretary as "serious"? It means that by September 1980 it will be very serious, and quite clearly we must do something about it, because the Educa - tion Department is clearly open to question by Legislative Councillors, the Director of Audit and the Press why public funds in large quantity are being expended on salaries which are not reflected in a really worthwhile service to the public. Tb.annual salary bill of teachers surplus to operational requirements is currently running at about $30m per annum.

5. If I can gloomily predict a redundancy figure something like 1,100, I can optimistically predict other avenues in the Education Department which will require the services of approximately the same number, provided Government primary school teachers surplus to operational requirements over the next 3 years come forward and are

found to be suitable for employment in these growing areas. I attach a paper which gives you a breakdown of these figures and I believe you will find this heartening. I must caution you that the figures

are estimates based on the most reliable information to-date.

Estimates can never be guarantees but they are based on intelligent assumptions and such dat as is available.

6.

In theory, it looks as if there will be alternative employ- ment for all staff who may be surplus to operational requirements in Government primary schools over the next 3 years. In practice, of course, not all staff will be found suitable, or willing, for such redeployment, and we must think about this in the context of a permanent Government primary sector. This is a joint problem and we must help each other to find a solution which reconciles the public and personal

interest.

7.

Clearly, a permanent Government primary sector must be a good one, professionally sound if it is to survive competition. Such a Government primary sector will be the cynosure of all eyes and it must be able to bear scrutiny. I shall need the best people I can find to staff whatever the number of remaining Government primary

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