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in schools.

Can the government inform this Council that

in the light of Hong Kong being an international city,

the medium of English would not be really put in the

backyard, so to speak, so as to enable our students in

future to be able to take up the challenge of international

commerce and industry?

His Excellency the President:- The question is related to the

teaching of English (laughter) but you may reply.

Director of Education:- Sir, Members might recall that in the

first report of the Education Commission, it was suggested

that schools will be given the freedom to continue to choose

their medium of instruction although the intention is that,

subject to the results of research being conducted, it is

proposed to encourage the greater use of Chinese as the

medium of instruction in secondary schools. However, the

Commission and the Government believe that this must be

coupled with other measures to strengthen the teaching of

English as a subject.