TNAG-1363-FCO40-1809-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 196

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Mrs. Selina Chow:- Sir, is the Government's intention to

teach Putonghua as a second language or will it be used

as a medium of instruction?

Director of Education:- Sir, initially the intention is to

teach Putonghua as a subject. Eventally schools may wish

to adopt Putonghua as the medium of instruction.

Mrs. Selina Chow:- Sir, can we be assured that Putonghua will

not be adopted as a medium of instruction prematurely?

Director of Education:- The medium of instruction in secondary

schools and primary schools is always at the discretion of

heads of schools and I think they are sensible enough not

to introduce Putonghua as the medium of instruction prematurely.

His Excellency the President:- Is it to the proper question,

Mr. Cheong?

Mr. Stephen Cheong:- Yes, to the proper question, I hope.

(laughter)

His Excellency the President:- We are drifting. (laughter)

Mr. Stephen Cheong:- Yes, Mr Chairman, I will phrase my

question so that it will be related to the proper question.

I can well understand the concern about Putonghua teaching