TNAG-1361-FCO40-1807-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 314

Supplementary to Question No. 12 in the Legislative Council

on 23 January 1985

Mr. Chan Ying-lun:- How does Government ensure that once an

institution has over 20 students, it is then registered with the

Education Department so as to bring it under Government supervision?

Director of Education:- The requirement under the Ordinance has been

there for many years and are well known to all school operators who

intend to start a school. In addition we provide publicity

materials in all our offices in the district, and in Headquarters.

I therefore consider there is adequate arrangement for the public

to understand the requirement for 20 or more persons at any one

time to form a school. In addition, we send our inspectors to

visit districts just in case there are such cases coming up our

way and we then find out whether these schools are the target of

registration.

Mr. Chan Ying-lun:- In the same paragraph of the reply by the

Director of Education, besides investigation of complaints

received, does the Government also take action to prevent

malpractices?

Director of Education:- Within the text of the Ordinance my powers,

of course, are to ensure that the provisions are fully complied

with. The Ordinance itself in fact, does not have a preventive

function. However, through our wide network of district officers,

our inspectors and our area staff, this message has always been

publicised through all these contacts.

a preventive role in our efforts.

So in effect there is also