TNAG-0740-FCO40-944-Quarterly-progress-reports-from-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 146

9. -

CONFIDENTIAL #

Subject

Revision of the Law relating to Abortion

Medical School at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Dental School at the

University of Hong Kong

Purpose

To amend the existing legislation to provide for certain changes relating to girls under 17, victims of rape or incest, time limit for abortion, and doctors who have conscientious objections to abortion.

To establish a second medical school in Hong Kong.

To establish a dental school at the University of Hong Kong.

Progress made and present position

The Legal Department has requested clarification on a number of points before issuing a further draft Bill. Comments from the departments' concerned have been sought.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement with the Asian Development Bank, the Steering Committee re-designated itself as the Project Co-ordinating Committee. It held a meeting on. 4th July to review progress and noted that the project would be upgraded to Category A at the First Public Works Sub-Committee Review 1978 and that overall planning was as programmed. Negotiations for a loan from the Asian Development Bank to finance part of the project took place between 24th to 28th July.

The Steering Committee met on 11th May and noted that progress was satisfactory and according to programme. In order to meet the urgent requirement for a large number of dental technicians for employment in the Dental Teaching Clinic, arrangements have been made for a course for 32 trainees a year for three years initially to begin at the Hong Kong Polytechnic with effect from October 1978.

Next quarter targets

To resolve the queries raised and to process the draft Bill as soon as it has been received from the Legal Department.

To hold further meetings of the Project

Co-ordinating Committee to review progress on all matters relating to the " completion of the project.

To hold further meetings of the Steering Committee to review progress on all matters relating to the completion of the project.

CONFIDENTIAL #2