Hong Kong

HC Deb 24 March 1969 vol 780 cc1025-6

6. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that there are 2,000 vacant primary school places and 50,000 residents in Hong Kong's Wongtauhum Resettlement Estate; and if he will direct the Hong Kong Government to set up an inquiry into the reasons for these empty classrooms with a view to remedying the cause.

Mr. Whitlock

There are some 2,500 vacant primary school places in this estate, all but 79 of these occurring in private schools. A detailed survey of children not attending school is in progress.

Mr. Rankin

Would my hon. Friend agree that this number of vacant school places, wherever it is, is a very serious problem? Would he agree that it arises basically from a low level of wage payments in Hong Kong and also from the lack of a compulsory education system? Will he get in touch with the Governor to discuss these matters to see what solution can be found?

Mr. Whitlock

An explanation of these vacancies is complicated by the fact that there is an attendance of several thousand Wongtauhum children at primary schools elsewhere and by the occupation of many places in the estate schools by other children from neighbouring districts. The vacancy figures reflect the attraction of free places and low fees in Government and subsidised schools. If the survey indicates the need for more such places, remedial action will be taken at once.

7. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will advise the Hong Kong Government on the measures needed to establish a family assistance scheme aimed at encouraging parents to send their children to school.

Mr. Whitlock

As already announced in the Colony's Legislative Council, the Hong Kong Government are drawing up proposals for a comprehensive organised public assistance scheme, one aim of which will be to ensure that no child is deprived by financial hardship of the opportunity to go to primary school.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that all of us interested in Hong Kong welcome this and will encourage the Government to still further good deeds?

Mr. Whitlock

I thank my hon. Friend.