TNAG-1073-FCO40-1323-Policy-of-the-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-including-1981 — Page 276

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(b) schools: private schools; grant schools; subsidised

schools;

(c) major sponsoring bodies: the Church of Christ in China,

(d)

(e)

the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the

Buddhist Association;

the Hong Kong Training Council;

commerce, industry, the professions and community service.

The Board meets at regular intervals (monthly at present). It is

consulted through discussion papers and kept informed through information

papers and other relevant material, such as statistical indicators and

tables, Legislative Council speeches, etc. A list of the major topics

on which the Board has been consulted or which have been raised by the

Board for discussion in recent years is shown at appendix M.

4.19

It will be noted that the Education Ordinance gives the Board

a general warrant rather than specific terms of reference. As a result

questions have been raised from time to time about the functions of the

Board and the role it should play in the development of education in Hong

Kong. The government's initial response to these questions was on the

lines that the Board is an advisory body without executive functions;

that, generally speaking, in regard to any matter put before the Board

the government wishes to be advised of its educational desirability,

social acceptability, and financial and political implications; and that

the composition of the Board's membership is such that a variety of

interests, both specialist and general, are reflected: it is representative

of that sector of the general public which is informed and responsible,

and its reactions and views pertaining to the government's policy

(particularly at an early stage when confidentiality is seen as necessary)

are extremely helpful to the government as they reflect those of the

community at large. The Board reflects public opinion only to a limited

extent: classroom teachers, for example, are not at present represented

!